Man bailed after fatal road traffic collision in Saxmundham

A man arrested following a fatal road traffic collision in Saxmundham on Friday (5th December) has been bailed.

Police were called to the A12 by the East of England Ambulance Service just before 2pm yesterday, Thursday 4 December, following reports of a collision involving a grey Nissan Almera and a red Mazda at the junction with the B1119 Rendham Road.

Despite the efforts of medical personnel, the driver of the Almera, a man aged in his 80s and the sole occupant in the vehicle, was sadly declared deceased at the scene.

Suffolk Fire & Rescue crew were also in attendance, with two passengers of the Mazda needing to be extracted from the vehicle. They, along with the driver of the Mazda, were taken to hospital for treatment to injuries not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.  

A man aged in his 30s was subsequently arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs after providing a positive roadside drug test. He was taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning and has now been bailed to return to police on 9 February 2026.

The A12 was closed in both directions for several hours to allow for the scene to be examined by forensic collision investigators but has now fully reopened.

Officers are appealing for any potential witnesses and asking any motorists driving in the area with a dashcam fitted in their vehicle, to review the footage for any material that may be of assistance.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Joint Norfolk & Suffolk Serious Collision Investigation Unit, quoting reference: 37/68702/25 via - 

Website – Provide more information about an appeal | Suffolk Constabulary 

Email – SCIU@norfolk.police.uk

Phone – Call 101

Please note in the event of an emergency you should always call 999

If you have been involved in or affected by a road traffic collision, advice and support information can be found at: Road traffic incident support organisations | Suffolk Constabulary