Detectives have said they are keeping an "open mind" into an attack that left a woman in a critical condition and sparked an attempted murder probe.
Police launched an attempted murder probe in Brantham, on the Suffolk-Essex border, on Wednesday morning following the discovery of the woman, aged in her 50s, with a serious head injury.
The woman, who was walking her dog, was found injured and unconscious on a track near to Rectory Lane at about 6.30am by a member of the public, who called 999 and tried to assist her.
Police at the scene in Brantham on Thursday morning (Image: Jude Holden)
She was taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge in a critical condition, while her Springer Spaniel was found and is safe and well.
Officers remained at the scene on Thursday and a press conference was held by Detective Superintendent Mike Brown at 2pm.
Police have said additional patrols will be carried out in the south Suffolk village (Image: Jude Holden)
He said: "The victim does have significant head injuries but at the moment we are unable, at this early stage, to say exactly how those have been inflicted.
"There are also brain injuries that we're aware of from the hospital. She does remain sedated but she does remain in a critical condition.
"She does have her family with her and we are supporting the family.
"We are following a number of lines of enquiry. It is still very early in this investigation - we've kept a very, very open mind into what may have happened.
"An attack like this in Suffolk is incredibly rare. It is very horrific. It's disturbing when you hear the details of any incident like this.
"Obviously, violence against women and girls is very high on the agenda at the moment and we will always deal with any violence, no matter what level, with the right approach."
The senior officer confirmed there was a search for the victim's jacket and phone which could hold "significant information or evidence".
Officers at the scene in Rectory Lane in Brantham. (Image: Jude Holden)
Det Supt Brown said: "It's not clear at the moment. We're still very early on in the investigation so how the jacket we believe that she was wearing, the phone we believe the victim had with her at the time have come away or no longer with her.
"It's very important we try and locate these items because they could hold significant information or evidence that may allow us to really understand what has happened here."
Det Supt Brown also confirmed the Joint Major Investigation Team, which Suffolk police shares with Norfolk police, was assisting with the probe.
Investigations have continued throughout Thursday (Image: Jude Holden)
The incident has caused shock in the south Suffolk village community, councillors have said.
Alastair McCraw, who represents Brantham on Babergh District Council, told this newspaper: "Obviously, everybody in the village is shocked by this and Brantham will wish the victim well and hope for a full recovery.
Alastair McCraw, a Babergh councillor (Image: Babergh District Council)
"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."
Meanwhile, Simon Harley, who represents Peninsula on Suffolk County Council, added: "I am of course shocked and saddened by this incident and my thoughts and prayers are with the victim and her family.
Suffolk county councillor Simon Harley (Image: SCC)
"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, echoed his shock that such an incident could occur in an area that’s so popular amongst walkers, runners and dog walkers in the village.
The council chair added: "We very much wish the victim a full and speedy recovery and hope the authorities can swiftly apprehend those who are responsible."
Police down a path near where the woman was found (Image: Jude Holden)
People in Brantham also expressed their shock on Thursday morning.
Bradley James, 28, a tractor driver who lives in the area, said: "Dog walkers always use these paths.
Tractor driver Bradley James was in Brantham on Thursday morning (Image: Jude Holden)
"It’s quite tragic, really - you don’t get anything like that happening in this village.
"A lot of people are a bit nervous to go walking their dogs. My mum is scared because you don’t know what’s going on."
And Ian Swan, 58, from nearby Mistley, added: "It always seems very safe down there usually.
"There’s plenty people of around - I’ve never been out here and not met someone.
"But I’ve never heard of any problems down here."
Rosie Rawlinson said she walked her dogs three to four times a day along the route but "absolutely" felt she could continue doing so.
She said: "Nothing like this has ever happened like this in the four and a half years I've been here.
"I was scared this morning on my early walk, I must admit."
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact Suffolk police, quoting crime reference number 37/41580/24.
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