Final moments of grandmother Anita Rose murdered while walking her dog revealed as police photo and map

30 July 2024, 11:52 | Updated: 30 July 2024, 13:18

Police have arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder after a woman walking her dog was found unconscious
Police have arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder after a woman walking her dog was found unconscious. Picture: Suffolk Police

By Kit Heren

Police investigating the death of the woman who died after being found seriously injured while walking her dog have released a map of the walking route she had been on.

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It comes as the family of the woman have insisted someone "must know something" about the incident.

They have paid tribute to a "special" mum of six who was "loved in the community".

Anita Rose, 57, left her house to take her springer spaniel, Bruce, for a walk in Brantham, Suffolk, at around 5am on Wednesday, Suffolk Constabulary said.

The walking route Anita took saw her loop outside of the main village, before her walk abruptly ended on Rectory lane after the attack.

At about 6.25am, a member of the public reportedly found her lying unconscious on a track near a sewage works and railway line off Rectory Lane.

The mother-of-six was taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge but she died on Sunday morning, police said.

Suffolk Police have urged villagers to "be vigilant" as authorities continue to investigate, doing house-to-house inquiries.

DS Mike Brown said: "If people are concerned about going out for a walk, I would advise them to remain vigilant.

"Tell someone where you are going, what time you expect to be back, and let them know when you are home.”

"We recognise that many people will feel concerned, but I can reassure you that we are working hard to identify what has taken place and that this investigation is a priority for the constabulary."

A man, 45, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder on Saturday and has been rearrested on suspicion of murder after Anita Rose died.

The victim was found on a track near Rectory Lane, Brantham
The victim was found on a track near Rectory Lane, Brantham. Picture: Google

Ms Rose's family said in a statement issued by Suffolk Constabulary: "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.

"She wasn't just a mum of six, she was also a grandma to 13, a long-term partner, a mother-in-law and a special friend to so many.

"Someone somewhere must know something, and we urge them to come forward. We want to thank everyone for their love and support.

"All we ask is for everyone to cherish their time with their family and loved ones."

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A 37-year-old woman from the Ipswich area was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods in connection with the incident.

She and the man who was arrested were taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning and have been released on police bail with conditions to return on October 25.

Officers had been searching for a missing Apple iPhone and a pink zip-up jacket, which they believe Ms Rose was wearing before the incident.

The mobile has been found but the jacket is still missing.

Detective Superintendent Mike Brown said: "This is a very serious incident following which Anita has now sadly died of her injuries.

"The family continue to be supported by specially trained police officers as part of the investigation.

"The investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the offence continues, as do enquiries to establish the cause of death.

"Though I can now confirm that the scene has been lifted on Rectory Lane.

"Local residents should expect to see a continued police presence over the next few days while enquiries take place, while additional officers will also be in the area to provide reassurance to the local community.

"Whilst searches and house-to-house enquiries take place, 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."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Suffolk Constabulary quoting 37/41580/24.