Police reassure public as investigation into Brantham, near Ipswich, murder of Anita Rose continues
Police have reassured the public that the safety of the community and the public was their top priority as they continue to investigate the murder of Anita Rose.
Detectives from the Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team have been working to piece together the evidence collected in connection with Anita’s death, which happened after she was found seriously injured in Brantham two weeks ago.
Officers have been sweeping the village, conducting forensic work, searches, house-to-house inquiries and CCTV analysis.
Two more cordons were placed in the Newmill Lane area, which formed part of Anita’s dog walking route, yesterday.
Detective Superintendent Mike Brown said: “It may be that the release on bail of another person arrested in connection with Anita’s murder causes residents or the wider public to be concerned, but again I want to reassure you that we have the safety of the community and the public at the top of our priorities whenever we are making decisions.”
He urged anyone with concerns or any information that might be useful to officers to come forward, either by calling Suffolk Constabulary, or by speaking with officers at the cordons, which remain in place.
“Anita’s family continue to be supported by specially trained police officers as part of the investigation,” Mr Brown added.
It is now 12 days since the 57-year-old mother-of-six was found unconscious and lying face down on a track road near the sewage works and railway line off Rectory Lane.
Anita left her house in Palfrey Heights at 5am on July 24 to walk her springer spaniel, Bruce, and was found by a member of the public at 6.25am.
Officers were alerted to the scene by the East of England Ambulance Service shortly after 8am.
Anita suffered serious face and head injuries and was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, where she died four days later on July 28.
A post-mortem examination was conducted but a cause of death has still to be determined.
Three people have been arrested following the incident.
A 45-year-old man from the Ipswich area was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder on July 27 before being rearrested on suspicion of murder after her death.
A 37-year-old woman, also from the Ipswich area, was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods.
A man in his 20s, from Brantham, was arrested on suspicion of murder on July 31.
The former two have been bailed until October 25, while the latter was bailed until October 24.
While Anita was in hospital, her family spoke of their devastation.
Officers are also still looking for the pink jacket Anita was spotted wearing shortly before the attack.
It was described as a pink, zip-up, waterproof jacket and is believed to be from a brand such as Regatta.
Anyone who can aid the investigation should get in touch with Suffolk Police, quoting crime reference, 37/41580/24.
