Everything we know so far about suspected murder in Brantham

57-year-old Anita Rose was found unconscious near Rectory Lane in Brantham on Wednesday, July 24.

Here is everything we know so far about the incident which is being treated as a suspected murder by police.

What happened on the day of the incident?

The victim was Anita Rose (Image: Suffolk police) Ms Rose left her home in Palfrey Heights at 5am to walk her dog, a springer spaniel named Bruce, in the nearby area.

A 6.25am a member of the public found her injured and unconscious on a track near Rectory Lane and called 999.

The track and surrounding area were cordoned off by police while an initial investigation into attempted murder was launched with an increased police presence in the area.

She was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge with significant head and brain injuries where she later died on Sunday, July 28.

A Home Office post-mortem into the mother-of-six’s death took place on Monday, July 29.

The results were unable to determine a cause of death and further tests will be carried out.

In a tribute, 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."

READ MORE: Shock remains in village a week after dog walker attack as murder probe continues

The missing items

Police are still searching for the missing pink jacket (Image: Suffolk police) Following the incident police were searching for a missing jacket and phone which belong to Ms Rose.

Officers have since recovered the missing phone- an Apple iPhone – but are still searching for the jacket she was believed to be wearing immediately prior to the incident.

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

The initial arrests

Detective Superintendent Mike Brown (Image: Jude Holden)

On Saturday, July 27 a 45-year-old man from the Ipswich area was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and later rearrested on suspicion of murder in the wake of Ms Rose’s death.

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

The par was released on bail with conditions to return on October 25.

In a press conference explaining why a suspect in a murder investigation was released on bail, Detective Superintendent Mike Brown said: “A person’s status in an investigation may change as the case develops which may result in options such as bail being used.”

READ MORE: Man in 20s arrested on suspicion of Anita Rose's murder

A third arrest

The walking route Anita Rose took the morning of the incident (Image: Suffolk police) Another person was arrested on suspicion of murder on Wednesday, July 31 a week after the incident happened.

The suspect, a man in his 20s who is also from Brantham, was taken to Martlesham police station where police were granted extra hours for questioning.

He has since been released on bail until Thursday, October 24 with conditions including not enter Brantham or Manningtree.

Tributes to Ms Rose

Flowers left in tribute near to where Ms Rose was found (Image: Jude Holden) Flowers and other tributes were left by villagers close to the area where Ms Rose was found.

One resident called Mr Morrison said: “We’re quite devastated. My wife walks down there daily, it’s absolutely devastating. We live in a quiet little lane.”

Matt Calderbank, who was on a walk in the area where the attack happened with his wife and child, said: "We’re out here together the three of us and we know the area really well but it did make us think twice about coming out. I’m comforted a little bit because they’ve made arrests."

At St Michael’s Church in the village candles were lit in memory of Ms Rose with the rector offering a sanctuary to those shaken with grief and shock.

 Reverend Chris Willis said: “We recognise in the church that this incident has caused huge shock and deep anxiety.

“We journey with that and share in that ourselves as part of the community and we would welcome anyone to come to the church as a place of safety and a place of reflection.”

READ MORE: Police cordons remain in path as Anita Rose murder probe continues

The investigation continues

A path in the village has been sealed off by police (Image: Jude Holden) Police investigation the suspected murder identified two new areas of interest in the village. 

Two cordons were put in place along a path in Newmill Lane in the afternoon of Sunday, August 4.

Locals have been told to expect a continued police presence in Brantham as officers conduct further enquiries.

Anyone with information that could assist with the ongoing investigation is urged to contact the Major Investigation Team at Suffolk police quoting reference number 37/41580/24.