The victim of a suspected murder in a south Suffolk village has been remembered during a church service.

Police are continuing to probe the suspected murder of Anita Rose, 57, who was attacked while walking her Springer Spaniel in Brantham on the morning of Wednesday, July 24.

She died a few days later in hospital.

On Monday, a path close to Newmill Lane in the village was cordoned off by officers continuing to search the area as part of a murder probe.

The investigation is still ongoing almost two weeks later and Reverend Chris Willis, of St Michael’s Church in the village, held a moment of silence for mother-of-six Ms Rose during Sunday’s service.

A path off Newmill Lane in Brantham has been cordoned offA path off Newmill Lane in Brantham has been cordoned off (Image: Jude Holden)

Rev Willis said: “We had a service. At the beginning of that service, we paused and reflected and prayed and we remembered Anita.

“We reflected on the events which have happened in the community and on Anita’s untimely and tragic death. We prayed for her family and the community and for the police investigation.

“We felt it was vital we couldn’t just have a church service, we needed to have that moment.”

Reverend Chris Willis Reverend Chris Willis (Image: Jude Holden)
Rev Willis added that the community is wishing the police well with their investigation: “I would say that anyone in the village will be really pleased that the police are still investigating and doing whatever their investigations require.

“Everybody I have spoken to has welcomed the police presence and naturally people want to know exactly what’s going on but I hope people understand police can’t compromise their investigation.”

Police have said they are still searching for Ms Rose's pink jacket that she was wearing at the time of the attack, having already recovered her iPhone.

Anita Rose wearing her pink jacket before she was attacked - police say they are still searching for the garment Anita Rose wearing her pink jacket before she was attacked - police say they are still searching for the garment (Image: Jude Holden)

The murder probe is ongoing and three people have been arrested in connection with the incident.

A 45-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and a 37-year-old woman was detained on suspicion of handling stolen goods - they have both been released on bail until October 25.

A man in his 20s from Brantham was later arrested on suspicion of murder, but he too has been released on bail.

Mother-of-six Anita Rose died several days after the attackMother-of-six Anita Rose died several days after the attack (Image: Suffolk police)

He was released with conditions, including not to enter Brantham and Manningtree, and told to return to police on October 24.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Major Investigation Team at Suffolk police quoting 37/41580/24.