Dog walker, 57, dies just days after ‘being attacked on country path’ as man, 45, arrested on suspicion of murder
A DOG walker has died four days after she was found with serious head injuries on a country path with a man arrested on suspicion of murder.
Anita Rose, 57, was found unconscious on a track near to Rectory Lane in Brantham, Suffolk, on Wednesday shortly after 8am.
She had left her house at around 5am to take her springer spaniel dog, named Bruce, for a walk.
Anita was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital for treatment but died on Sunday morning, police have said.
Her family have paid tribute to the “well known and loved mum” as police hold a 45-year-old man on suspicion of murder.
The man was arrested yesterday afternoon and was taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.
He has since been re-arrested on suspicion of murder, Suffolk Police have said.
Meanwhile, a 37-year-old woman from the Ipswich area was also arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods in connection with the incident.
Cops confirmed that the pair have since been released on police bail with conditions to return on October 25.
Officers have also been able to locate and recover Anita’s missing Apple iPhone following appeals to trace it.
However, her pink zip-up jacket, which cops believe Anita was wearing immediately prior to the incident, is still missing.
A tribute issued by Anita’s family read: “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.”
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 any information or has any knowledge of the incident that could help the police with their enquiries should contact Suffolk police, quoting 37/41580/24.