Further tests required into cause of murdered Anita Rose’s death in Brantham, near Ipswich, as police address concerns after man bailed
The cause of a murdered woman’s death has not been established following a post-mortem examination and further tests are required.
Anita Rose, 57, died at Addenbrooke’s Hospital on Sunday having suffered serious head and brain injuries while out walking her dog in Brantham early on Wednesday morning.
Police are continuing to investigate the death of the grandmother as murder and addressed concerns that a man who was arrested on suspicion of murder was bailed.
Detective Superintendent Mike Brown said: “Officers are continuing to to establish the full circumstances surrounding Anita’s death. We will pursue all lines of inquiry to understand what led up to this event.
“Our thoughts, as always, remain with Anita’s family at this incredibly difficult time.
“We completely understand and empathise with the concern some members of the Brantham community have expressed about the fact a male who has been arrested on suspicion of murder was subsequently bailed.
“It is important to understand that at times it may be necessary to make arrests in serious and complex investigations based on the evidence available at that time to fully understand the role individuals may have played in any offences identified.
“As such, a person’s status in an investigation may change as the case develops which may result in options such as bail being used.
“We remain in close liaison with our other relevant community groups and representatives and repeat what we have said previously that we are working extremely hard to find out who was responsible. Anyone with concerns can and should approach an officer in the area who will be happy to talk to you.”
Anita, a mum of six and a grandma to 13, left her house at approximately 5am to take her dog, a springer spaniel named Bruce, for a walk.
At about 6.25am on Wednesday, a member of the public found Anita lying face down on a track road near the sewage works and railway line, off Rectory Lane, unconscious, and called an ambulance.
A 45-year-old man was arrested on Saturday afternoon on suspicion of attempted murder and was taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.
He was re-arrested on suspicion of murder.
A 37-year-old woman from the Ipswich area was also arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods in connection with the incident and was taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.
The pair have since been released on police bail with conditions to return on October 25.
Following an appeal, officers found Anita’s missing Apple iPhone.
Her pink zip-up jacket, which police believe Anita was wearing immediately before the incident, is still missing.
Yesterday, police released a map detailing the route they believe Anita walked on Wednesday morning.
Tomorrow, officers will conduct anniversary checks in the Rectory Lane area and on train services between Ipswich and Manningtree.
Mr Brown said: “As part of this officers will be distributing leaflets which contain details of the investigation and a QR code to our Major Investigations Portal.
“As ever, we are keen to speak to anyone who saw anything on Wednesday that they think might be useful to the police investigation and anyone living in the area that has CCTV or doorbell cameras.
“If you have any information, please do come forward.”
Anyone with any information or has any knowledge of the incident that could help the police with their inquiries should contact Suffolk police, quoting 37/41580/24.
