The details: Officers and a forensics van were already on the scene outside Vapebucks on Tavern Street on Thursday, 12 March, following what appeared to be a burglary in which a number of vapes were stolen. Officers were seen inside the store taking statements from staff.
At around 10:40, two further police cars and a police van arrived in the area. Suffolk Police say they were called at 10:24 to the Butter Market to a report of a racially aggravated public order offence.
A 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence under Section 4a – religious/racial – and assault on an emergency worker. He resisted arrest before being bundled into the back of a police van. His shoes, cap and what appeared to be a police evidence bag were spotted on the floor next to the van as officers struggled to contain him.
The man could be seen violently rocking the van as officers attempted to restrain and calm him. He has since been taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre, where he remains.
What's next: Suffolk Police have confirmed the arrest and the alleged burglary at Vapebucks are not connected. The investigation into the vape store robbery is ongoing.
The bottom line: What appeared to be a single large police operation on Tavern Street this morning was in fact two separate incidents. A man remains in custody following his arrest on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence and assault on an emergency worker.
Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact Suffolk police quoting: 37/14221/26.
