A south Suffolk village has been left in shock after a woman was found with a serious head injury and police launched an attempted murder investigation.
Police officers were called by the ambulance service shortly after 8am on Wednesday to reports a woman had been found injured and unconscious in Brantham.
The woman, aged in her 50s, had been walking her dog next to the sewage works and railway line near Rectory Lane.
She was found with a serious head injury and was taken to Addenbrookes hospital for treatment where she remains in a critical condition.
Police are treating the incident as an attempted murder.
Alastair McCraw, who represents Brantham on Babergh District Council, said: "Obviously, everybody in the village is shocked by this and Brantham will wish the victim well and hope for a full recovery.
"If anybody knows anything, they should take it directly to the police using the references given.
"In the meantime, it’s best that any speculation in social media is avoided to allow the police to do their job.
"Be safe and look out for each other," he added.
Meanwhile, Simon Harley, who represents Peninsula on Suffolk County Council, said: "I am of course shocked and saddened by this incident and my thoughts and prayers are with the victim and her family.
"Brantham is normally such a safe and peaceful place with amazing people and I am sure this incident is a one off but would urge people to take sensible precautions at this time."
Mal Bridgeman, chair of Brantham Parish Council, said: "I can only echo the sentiments expressed by the local people on the many Facebook and WhatsApp groups, of our shock and sadness that such an incident can occur in our village in an area that’s so popular amongst walkers, runners and dog walkers in the village.
"We very much wish the victim a full and speedy recovery and hope the authorities can swiftly apprehend those who are responsible."
Searches, forensic enquiries and house to house enquiries will take place over the next few days whole additional officers will be in the area to provide reassurance to the local community.
Anyone with information or anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area of Rectory Lane in the early hours of Wednesday morning should contact Suffolk police quoting crime reference number 37/41580/24.
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