Police are searching for two suspects after an 18-year-old man died following a stabbing in Ipswich town centre. 

Suffolk police confirmed this evening a man has died as investigations continue into the incident in Westgate Street on Tuesday afternoon. 

Officers were called at 3.35pm after reports that a male had been stabbed in Westgate Street.

Ipswich Star: Officers at the scene during Wednesday morning. Officers at the scene during Wednesday morning. (Image: Charlotte Bond, Newsquest)

Ipswich Star: Police have been at the scene throughout Wednesday.Police have been at the scene throughout Wednesday. (Image: Charlotte Bond, Newsquest)

Police are searching for two male suspects involved in the assault who were seen to leave the scene.

One suspect headed towards Providence Street and the other suspect was seen to be heading towards the Cornhill.

The cordon was reduced during Wednesday morning.

The incident comes just over a week after 16-year-old Harley Barfield died following a knife attack in Haverhill, west Suffolk.

Ipswich Star: Officers at the scene during Wednesday morning. Officers at the scene during Wednesday morning. (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Connick said: “This was a brazen attack in the town centre which will have caused great distress to anyone who witnessed it. Whilst enquiries are at an early stage, we believe this to be a targeted attack.

“There will be an increased police presence in Ipswich this evening and over the coming days to provide reassurance to local residents and businesses. We know that many people would have witnessed this attack and we urge you to make contact with us."

Ipswich Star: The cordon has been in place since Tuesday afternoon. The cordon has been in place since Tuesday afternoon. (Image: Charlotte Bond, Newsquest)

Ipswich Star: The police cordon in Westgate Street on Wednesday morning.The police cordon in Westgate Street on Wednesday morning. (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Police units, armed officers and a helicopter from the National Police Air Service were in attendance. 

A section of Westgate Street remains closed off around the crime scene.

Ipswich Star: The Section 60 area currently in force following the stabbing in Westgate Street.The Section 60 area currently in force following the stabbing in Westgate Street. (Image: Suffolk Constabulary)

A Section 60 has been put in place which provides officers with additional powers to stop and search. 

This came into force at 4.59pm on Tuesday and will last for 24 hours.

Any witnesses are asked to contact the Major Investigation Team, quoting reference: CAD 245 of 17 January.