Anita Rose Brantham murder latest as police hold conference

Suffolk police held a press conference on Monday following the death of 57-year-old Anita Rose.

Ms Rose was found by a member of the public lying on a track road near to Rectory Lane in Brantham, near to the sewage works and railway line, at around 6.25am on Wednesday, July 24.

Ms Rose had left her home at approximately 5am to take her dog, a springer spaniel named Bruce, for a walk. 

Anita Rose died on Sunday after being attacked on a dog walk in Brantham on Wednesday. (Image: Suffolk Constabulary)

She was taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital with a serious head injury before police confirmed on Sunday evening she had died.

Det Supt Mike Brown said today: "Our investigation team continues to progress a large number on inquiries to establish the circumstances surrounding Anita's injuries and her subsequent death.

Detective Superintendent Mike Brown gave an update in the investigation on Monday. (Image: Jude Holden)

"This work includes house to house enquiries, searches at the scene and surrounding area where Anita was found and searching through CCTV footage and forensic work."

Officers have also been able to locate and recover the missing mobile phone – an Apple iPhone. The pink zip-up jacket, which police believe Anita was wearing immediately prior to the incident, is still missing.

Det Supt Brown said officers are continuing the search for the pink jacket which officers believe she was wearing "immediately prior to the incident". 

The missing pink zip-up jacket is described as waterproof in material and is believed to be from an outdoor clothing brand like Regatta.

He said: "To help us with this we will be releasing a map detailing the route we believed Anita walked on Wednesday morning. We are keen to speak to anyone who saw anything on Wednesday in the areas shown on the map or anyone travelling on trains towards Ipswich or Manningtree on that morning that saw anything that they think could be of use to the investigation.

At around 1pm on Saturday, July 27, Suffolk Police officers arrested a 45-year-old man from the Ipswich area on suspicion of attempted murder.

He has since been re-arrested on suspicion of murder.

A 37-year-old woman, also from the Ipswich area, was also arrested on Saturday on suspicion of handling stolen goods in connection with the incident. 

The pair were taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning, and have been released on bail with conditions to return on October 25.

NEWS: Everything we know so far about suspected murder in Brantham

In a statement, Ms Rose's family said: “Our mum was well known and loved in the community.

"She was brutally taken from us devastatingly too early, and we have been robbed of so much time with her.

“She wasn’t just a mum of six, she was also a grandma to 13, a long-term partner, a mother-in-law and a special friend to so many.

"Someone somewhere must know something, and we urge them to come forward.

"We want to thank everyone for their love and support.

"All we ask is for everyone to cherish their time with their family and loved ones.”

Ms Rose's family continue to receive support from officers and the senior officer asked members of the public not to speculate on social media.

Det Supt Brown said residents would continue to see a police presence in the area in the coming days.

"I recognise many people will feel concerned but I can reassure you we are working hard to identified what has taken place and this investigation is a priority.

"If people are concerned about going for a walk I would advise you to remain vigilant, to tell someone where you are going, what time you are expected to be back and let them know when you are home."

Police are continuing a presence around Brantham after Ms Rose was attacked on Wednesday. (Image: Jude Holden)

Anyone who saw any suspicious behaviour in the area, or who has knowledge of the incident that could help police in their enquiries, should contact officers, quoting crime reference 37/41580/24.