The suspected murder of a 26-year-old woman represents "an epidemic" of violence against women says a women's safety campaigner as community leaders express their shock.

Emergency services were called to Burrell Road at around 7.10pm on Tuesday evening to find a 26-year-old woman with serious injuries after being stabbed.

She died at the scene despite the efforts of paramedics.

A 27-year-old man has been arrested in relation to the incident, and two knives were found near the scene.

Laura Polley, one of the organisers of the Reclaim the Streets movement, said the news was "deeply saddening and distressing".

She added: "Women’s safety has never been a bigger priority for Ipswich and for Suffolk more broadly.

"As a community, we must do all we can to ensure women and girls are safe in public spaces.

"Whilst Ipswich has made great progress within the Safer Streets Initiative, this case and many others represent an epidemic of violence against women and girls, and structural and societal behaviour change and clear messages to be sent by Criminal Justice that the victimisation of women and girls will not be tolerated in this society."

Laura Polley (left) and Grace Nichol (right) the organiser of Reclaim The NightLaura Polley (left) and Grace Nichol (right) the organiser of Reclaim The Night (Image: Newsquest)

Councillor Neil MacDonald, leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said his and the council's thoughts were with the woman's family.

Councillor Neil MacDonaldCouncillor Neil MacDonald (Image: Newsquest)

He added: "The council is working hard with partners, including the police, to deliver the government funded ‘Safer Streets’ programme which includes steps to reduce violence against women and girls through better lighting, CCTV coverage, and community engagement."

This is the second murder investigation to be launched in the county in the past two weeks.

In a separate incident, Anita Rose, 57, died days after being attacked whilst walking her dog in Brantham. 

Police issued a further appeal on Wednesday, a fortnight on from the attack.

Tim Passmore, Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "This is a shocking situation with tragic consequences and my thoughts and prayers go out to the deceased relatives and friends.

"From what I know and I appreciate it's an ongoing investigation, but this is not related to the fatality of the poor woman from Brantham.

Tim PassmoreTim Passmore (Image: Newsquest)

"It is probably a one off, but I understand it is very disturbing for people, we're all concerned because we are not used to this situation in Suffolk.

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"I don't know what the motivations were behind this murder, but if anything comes out of this when the crimes are solved and we need to do an additional thing to keep people safer, then I want to guarantee that, once we find out more details, we will take the appropriate action to do so to reassure people.

A cordon is in placeA cordon is in place (Image: Newsquest)

"We've got extra police already, more than we have had before so there is a greater visibility and presence.

"Obviously the force can't be everywhere but I do want to reassure people that we are in a far better position than many other areas of the country, and we need to keep it that way.

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"If there are lessons to be learned, then we will definitely take action as we want to do all we can to help keep everyone safe."

A spokesperson from Lighthouse Women's Aid, based in Ipswich, said: "As a women’s organisation Lighthouse Women’s Aid are deeply saddened by the murder in Ipswich on Wednesday 6th August and our thoughts are with the young woman and her family.

"At Lighthouse we work with women, young people and children who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse.

"If you feel that you are in an abusive relationship or have been affected in the past please do call us on 01473 228270 or refer via our website www.lighthousewa.org.uk."

Ipswich MP Jack AbbottIpswich MP Jack Abbott (Image: Paul Geater)

Ipswich MP Jack Abbott has thanked the police and emergency services for their response.

He said: "My thoughts are with the young woman, her loved ones and our wider Ipswich community following this appalling tragedy.

"I know the police and emergency services are working around the clock to ensure the person responsible faces the full force of the law.

"I urge anyone with information that may help the police progress this murder investigation to contact the police, but to refrain from online speculation whilst the investigation is still ongoing."

There is an increased police presence in the townThere is an increased police presence in the town (Image: Newsquest)

Ipswich Borough Councillor Phil Smart, for the Bridge Ward area, added: "This is a truly horrific incident, and our thoughts go out to the victim and those close to her.

"Ipswich Borough Council are helping the police search through CCTV footage to identify the person or persons responsible."

Anyone with any information is being asked to contact Suffolk police quoting the CAD 330 of August 6.