Suffolk Police are appealing for witnesses after two linked incidents in Haverhill on 18 April 2026, including a racially aggravated assault that left a man with serious head injuries. Officers are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack and a separate report of a man carrying a weapon near a local supermarket.
The first incident occurred at approximately 7pm on the old railway line footpath in Haverhill. A man in his 40s was walking with his partner when he was approached by a group of about five young males who shouted verbal abuse. During the confrontation, the man was struck on the head with a large tree branch. He was later found in the Tesco supermarket car park on Cangle Road and was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, where he remains in stable condition.
A second incident was reported at 7.32pm on Cangle Road, near the Tesco supermarket. A man, described as white and wearing a black jumper and black trousers, was seen shouting at members of the public while carrying a large machete-style weapon. He walked away from the area shortly after, and no injuries were reported during this event.
The police are treating the assault on the footpath as a case of racially aggravated grievous bodily harm. Officers are actively exploring potential links between the two incidents and are reviewing local camera footage as part of their investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed these events, or who has relevant doorbell, CCTV, or dashcam footage, to come forward. Information can be provided to Suffolk Constabulary by quoting crime reference numbers 37/22010/26 for the assault or 37/21933/26 for the machete sighting. Those who prefer to stay anonymous can also report details through Crimestoppers.
About this article: This story was put together with the help of AI tools and checked by a real person on our team. We're a small crew trying to cover as much of the UK as we can on a limited budget. We're getting better every day - but we're not perfect yet. If something looks off, let us know. You're part of the process.
