Two identified, one arrested in town centre graffiti spree
Two suspects have been identified following a graffiti spree across Ipswich town centre over the bank holiday weekend, with one male arrested and bailed.
The details: Suffolk Constabulary has confirmed that a man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage. He was taken to Martlesham police investigation centre for questioning and subsequently bailed to return to police on 28 June. A second person has been named as a suspect. Investigations into the incidents, who was responsible, and links between the different cases are continuing.
The bigger picture: The vandalism was more widespread than initially reported. Graffiti was sprayed on a number of prominent town centre locations over the bank holiday weekend of 24–26 May, including:
- The newly installed planters on Princes Street, part of the council's £1.2 million Town Centre Greening project
- Barclays Bank on Princes Street
- The Great White Horse Hotel on Tavern Street
- The Ancient House on Buttermarket
- The Corn Exchange and Town Hall
- The two new commercial units near Stoke Bridge skatepark
Multiple buildings around town were vandalised (Photos: Oliver Rouane-Williams/Ipswich.co.uk)
Police say they are investigating all of the incidents. CCTV footage from Ipswich Borough Council showed two suspects and was shared with police.
For context: The Princes Street planters — custom-built in-ground tree pits installed between the Cornhill and Giles Circus — were vandalised before workers had even finished planting them. The council previously confirmed its CCTV had captured "clear images" of those involved and said it was working with police to identify them.
What's next: Anyone with information is asked to contact Suffolk Police, quoting crime reference 37/30198/26.
The bottom line: Police are confident enough in their leads that a public appeal has so far been ruled out, but if the second suspect cannot be identified and found, that could change.
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