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Over 90 arrests in summer road safety campaign

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We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Suffolk Police made 92 arrests during July as part of a month-long campaign targeting the "fatal four" driving offences.

The big picture: The operation focused on drink/drug driving, mobile phone use, speeding and not wearing seatbelts, and coincided with the UEFA Euro 2020 football tournament.

Why it matters: July typically sees a 20% increase in road deaths and serious injuries compared to the yearly average, according to 2018-2022 data.

By the numbers:

  • 92 arrests in total, 67 arrests for drink or drug driving

  • 84 drivers caught using mobile phones

  • 46 people not wearing seatbelts

  • 4,514 speeding offences detected

What they're saying: Talking about the results, Inspector Gary Miller of the Joint Norfolk and Suffolk Roads & Armed Policing Team said of those caught that "their actions could have had devastating consequences."

Tim Passmore, Suffolk's Police & Crime Commissioner, called the results "disappointing" and "disturbing", adding: "I find it incredible that despite all the publicity and the extra enforcement, people are still not heeding the message."

What's next: Suffolk Police say they will continue to run similar campaigns to educate road users about the risks of dangerous driving behaviours.

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Police granted extra time to question teenager suspected of murdering Billy McNicholl

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Detectives investigating the death of William "Billy" McNicholl have been granted an additional 24 hours to question a teenage murder suspect. The extension was approved by Ipswich Magistrates' Court on Thursday 23 January.

Why it matters: The extension gives detectives crucial additional time to question the suspect in what has become a complex murder investigation involving multiple suspects.

The big picture: McNicholl, 63, known as Billy, was found dead at his Hawthorn Drive home on 1 January. A post-mortem examination revealed he died from head injuries and a stab wound.

William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog
William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog

Latest developments:

  • After an initial 12-hour superintendent's extension, officers secured a warrant for a further 24 hours of questioning time.

  • The additional detention period will end on Friday 24 January.

  • The 17-year-old suspect has been held at Martlesham Police Investigation Centre since his arrest on Wednesday.

  • A woman in her 50s, previously arrested on suspicion of murder, remains on bail until 9 April.

Bottom line: Suffolk Constabulary's Major Investigation Team continues to appeal for witnesses. Anyone with information should contact police quoting reference 37/162/25, either through their Major Incident Portal or by calling 101.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just ÂŁ24 per year

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