An Ipswich community leader has expressed her shock and reassured residents the Waterfront is safe after an attack left a man with serious facial and head injuries.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which first started in the A Listers at Aurora Bar in Helena Road in the early hours of Sunday.

An altercation took place inside the bar at about 12.15am, before moving outside the premises, police said.

The man was then struck with a glass bottle to the side of the head. 

A police cordon outside the bar on SundayA police cordon outside the bar on Sunday (Image: Newsquest)

A spokesman for Suffolk police said the man suffered serious head and facial injuries, which are not believed to be life threatening, and was taken to hospital for treatment.

Another man suffered injuries to his hand when he attempted to intervene.

The suspect is believed to have left the scene on foot in the direction of the University of Suffolk building on the Waterfront.

Councillor for the Holywells ward in Ipswich Nic El-Safty said: “As a local councillor I’m very shocked to hear of the incident occurring outside the Aurora bar.

Councillor Nic El-SaftyCouncillor Nic El-Safty (Image: Newsquest)

“It’s very unfortunate and I have every hope that the victim of the crime is recovering well, and I have full confidence in the police to ensure safety and a swift arrest following the attack.”

Ms El-Safty added: “Thankfully incidents of violence like this are very rare on the Waterfront and it is a peaceful and well policed area of town. Most people drink there responsibly and enjoy their night.

“Like anywhere we have crimes, however I am sure that area is policed well and we have every hope the victims are recovering well.

“I would also like to say thank you to the bystander who stepped in and clearly tried to ensure the safety of people around him. I hope he recovers well too.”

Anyone with information related to the incident is asked to contact Suffolk police quoting crime reference number 37/46842/24.