Candles have been lit and flowers have been placed at a village church as it aims to offer sanctuary to the community in the wake of a suspected murder.

The rector of St Michael’s Church in Brantham has spoken of how it looks to play its part for those shaken with grief and shock following the death of 57-year-old Anita Rose.

The mum-of-six was walking her dog Bruce last Wednesday and was found by a member of the public unconscious after sustaining serious head injuries.

She died on Sunday after being taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge.

Anita Rose died four days after she was found unconscious in Brantham.Anita Rose died four days after she was found unconscious in Brantham. (Image: Suffolk police)

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

Candles were lit in St Michael’s ChurchCandles were lit in St Michael’s Church (Image: Jude Holden)

“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.

“There's no need to say anything, do anything or believe anything, just to feel that the church is there as a safe space and place to be to reflect.”

Some of the candles in the church lit for Anita RoseSome of the candles in the church were lit in memory of Anita Rose (Image: Jude Holden)

He said members had gathered to pray for Ms Rose on Saturday and that officers have been using the church as they continue their investigations.

Reverend Willis added: “We gathered to pray for the family and the community and the police investigation.

“At that time, we set some candles out and lit some ourselves and we have noticed lots of people have been coming and benefiting from that opportunity so we are keeping that available.

“I’ve noticed today people have left flowers too, so it’s clearly important to the community to have a place where they can reflect.”

Flowers were left below the candles in the churchFlowers were left below the candles in the church (Image: Jude Holden)

He continued: “If the church is and needs to be a positive focal point for that grief, sadness, loss and shock then we are really happy and willing to facilitate that.

Reverend Chris Willis said the church was a focal point for grief Reverend Chris Willis said the church was a focal point for grief (Image: Jude Holden)

“I recognise as the rector there is a need for a place where people can grieve and to ask questions when there seem to be no answers.”

Mr Willis added: “We have a normal service this Sunday at 10am, at the beginning of which we will pause to reflect and pray for Anita’s family and the community following this horrid event and huge loss.

“We will pause at that point and gather to worship, but it is not a specific service – that may or may not happen as we move forward."