In January, the fatal stabbing of 18-year-old Raymond James Quigley rocked the Ipswich community. Six months on, we revisit the timeline of that day and take a look at the latest murder trial updates.

 

 

Tuesday, January 17

Emergency services were called to reports that a man had been seriously assaulted in Westgate Street at about 3.35pm.

A large cordon was put in place, spanning from the Cornhill to the WHSmith store, and the air ambulance was spotted in the area.

A Section 60 order, which grants police additional stop and search powers, came into force in Ipswich at 5pm.

Ipswich Star: A cordon was put in place on Westgate Street spanning from the Cornhill to WHSmith.A cordon was put in place on Westgate Street spanning from the Cornhill to WHSmith. (Image: Charlotte Bond, Newsquest)

Later that night, Suffolk police released a statement saying an 18-year-old had died after being stabbed. 

Police revealed they were searching for two male suspects involved in the alleged assault who were seen to leave the scene – one headed in the direction of Providence Street and the other towards the Cornhill.

Wednesday, January 18

Tributes from community leaders begin to flood in after the stabbing, with Ipswich borough councillor Sam Murray saying: "No one should have to bury their child."

Ipswich Star: Floral tributes were placed on Westgate Street.Floral tributes were placed on Westgate Street. (Image: Dolly Carter, Newsquest)

After forensics officers visited the scene, the Westgate Street cordon began to be reduced at 1.55pm and the shops that had been shut started to reopen.

Thursday, January 19

The Section 60 order was extended for another 24 hours as police continued their investigations.

It emerged that the victim was an 18-year-old from Norfolk.

Friday, January 20

The victim is named by police as Raymond James Quigley, from Wymondham.

Ipswich Star: Raymond James Quigley, known as James, from Wymondham, was named as the victim of the attack.Raymond James Quigley, known as James, from Wymondham, was named as the victim of the attack. (Image: Suffolk Constabulary)

A Home Office post-mortem examination revealed he suffered four stab wounds to the torso and died as a result of these injuries.

Saturday, January 21

Suffolk police issues an update which reveals that two teenagers, aged 17 and 18, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

Monday, January 23

Alfie Hammett, 18, of Rushmere St Andrew, was charged with murder and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

A 17-year-old boy from Ipswich who, at the time, could not be named for legal reasons, was also charged with the same offences.

Tuesday, January 24

The two teenagers appeared at Suffolk Magistrates' Court and were both remanded to appear before Ipswich Crown Court.

Hammett was remanded in custody, while the 17-year-old was remanded to youth detention accommodation.

Ipswich Star: The two teenagers appeared at Suffolk Magistrates' Court on January 24.The two teenagers appeared at Suffolk Magistrates' Court on January 24. (Image: Newsquest)

Shortly after 3.30pm, Ipswich churches St Mary-Le-Tower and St Mary at the Elms rang their bells 18 times - exactly seven days on from the 18-year-old's death.

Mr Quigley's sister revealed that he had died at the scene, adding: "This has left pain in everyone's hearts and traumatised many, especially my mother, brother, his dad, myself, his nephew and nieces.

"Our family will never be the same without him. He shone as bright as any star."

February 19

The law prevents anyone, including journalists and members of the public, naming defendants involved in criminal cases while they are under the age of 18.

The second defendant, Joshua Howell, who was 17 at the time of the incident, turns 18 and could therefore be named in the press.

April 26

Appearing at Ipswich Crown Court, Howell and Hammett pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mr Quigley, also denying possession of an offensive weapon.

Ipswich Star: Howell and Hammett pleaded not guilty to the murder at Ipswich Crown Court in April.Howell and Hammett pleaded not guilty to the murder at Ipswich Crown Court in April. (Image: Newsquest)

The Crown Court trial was provisionally set for July.

May 15

The trial, which is expected to last a month, is pushed back to later in the year, with a provisional start date of December 11.

June 20

Police arrest an 18-year-old man from Norwich and a 16-year-old from the Fenland area of Cambridgeshire on suspicion of murder.

Both were taken into police custody for questioning and were released on bail until September, pending further enquiries.

July 17

Ipswich marks the six month anniversary of the death of Raymond James Quigley.