By Liz HearnshawWEDDING guests were “shocked and terrified” after a gunman opened fire at a reception - in an attack police believe could have been provoked by “loud music” playing.

By Liz Hearnshaw

WEDDING guests were “shocked and terrified” after a gunman opened fire at a reception - in an attack police believe could have been provoked by “loud music” playing.

About 15 shotgun rounds were thought to have been fired as the guests celebrated in a house in Timworth, near Bury St Edmunds - where young children were asleep.

The celebrations followed the wedding of John and Samantha Fitzgerald, from Great Livermere.

Best man Warren Rowe, who was hosting Saturday's evening reception at his home, said the incident had “put a dampener” on the whole event.

“The reception was going really well and was starting to wind down when the shots started at about 12.35am on Sunday,” he added.

“It was absolutely terrifying and everyone was in complete shock. We are still frightened now, several days down the line.

“Fortunately, and because it was a wedding reception, everyone had been drinking, which made it a lot easier to deal with.

“But it obviously put a real dampener on the whole evening and the next day we were all in a state of shock - we couldn't believe what had happened.”

No-one was injured in the incident, but Mr Rowe said the fact young children were asleep in the house at the time had made it even more worrying.

“Fortunately, most of the guests, including the happy couple, had left, but I had only just put my little girl to bed,” said the 34-year-old.

“It makes it all the more scary to think that we had children sleeping in the house. We have no idea why someone would want to do this.”

A spokesman for Suffolk police said officers were still unsure why the gunman had targeted the reception, but were examining the possibility the attack may have been provoked by the party's music.

“Police are aware that loud music was being played at the reception and will be investigating to determine if this is linked with the shooting,” he added, confirming up to 15 shotgun shells had been fired.

Anyone with information should contact Suffolk police on 01284 774100 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

liz.hearnshaw@eadt.co.uk