Police appeal for information after death of Suffolk woman attacked while walking dog

Detectives investigating the murder of a woman who died after she was attacked while taking her dog for a walk are appealing for information from rail passengers who may have seen something.

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

The mother of six was found lying unconscious on a track by a member of the public at about 6.25am and was taken to Addenbrooke’s hospital in Cambridge with serious head injuries, where she died on Sunday.

A man aged 45 was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder on Saturday, then re-arrested on suspicion of murder after Rose died. He has been bailed until 25 October, together with a 37-year-old woman from the Ipswich area who was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods in connection with the incident.

Speaking at the force’s headquarters on Monday, Det Supt Mike Brown from Suffolk police’s major investigation team appealed for information.

He said officers are looking for a pink zip-up jacket made of waterproof material and potentially from the Regatta brand that Rose was believed to have been wearing immediately before the incident. He wants any members of the public who might have seen the jacket to come forward.

Brown said police will be releasing a map showing the route they believe Rose walked, and want to speak to anyone who saw anything on Wednesday in those areas.

He added that officers are also keen to obtain local CCTV and video doorbell footage, and to speak to anyone who was travelling on trains towards Ipswich or Manningtree on that morning who saw anything that may be of use to the investigation.

Brown said: “Our investigation team continue to progress a large number of inquiries to establish the circumstances surrounding Anita’s injuries and her subsequent death. This work includes house-to-house inquiries, searches at the scene and surrounding areas where Anita was found, as well as searching through CCTV footage and ongoing forensic work.

“Residents will continue to see an additional police presence and officers patrolling and engaging in the area over the coming days as our investigation continues.

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

“If people are concerned about going for a walk I would advise them to remain vigilant, to tell someone where you are going, what time you are expected to be back and let them know when you are home.”

He added that officers are supporting Rose’s family. “We appreciate that this is a very difficult time for them at the moment and therefore I would ask people not to speculate on social media about this incident.”

“Anyone with information that may assist the inquiry is asked to contact Suffolk police quoting 37/41580/24 or online on the major incident public portal, which can be found on Suffolk Constabulary’s webpage.”