Cops give major update in dog walker ‘murder’ probe as second man in 20s arrested after mum-of-six ‘attacked on path’
A SECOND man has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the death of dog walker Anita Rose.
The mum-of-six, 57, was discovered unconscious near Rectory Lane in Brantham, Suffolk shortly after 8am last Wednesday.
She was found by a member of the public along the country path with serious head injuries and taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.
She tragically died on Sunday morning.
A Brantham man in his twenties has now been taken to the Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for interrogation and is still in custody.
He is the third person taken into custody following the arrests of two Ipswich residents on Saturday.
Among them was a 45-year-old male who was first detained on suspicion of attempted murder and then again on suspicion of murder.
A 37-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of handling stolen items, and both have been released on police bail with the condition that they return on October 25.
Suffolk Police have now given a major update on the dog walker’s death.
Detective Superintendent Mike Brown said: “We have had a strong response from the public who have positively engaged with officers in the village, on the public transport network and around the scene of the incident, as well as the wider investigation team through the Major Investigation Public Portal and we would like to thank the public for their continued support.”
He added: “Whilst we have recovered Anita’s iPhone, her pink zip-up jacket which we believe she was wearing immediately prior to the incident remains outstanding.
“We reiterate our appeal for information as to its whereabouts as it could hold key information or evidence to the investigation.
“The jacket is described as waterproof in material and is believed to be from an outdoor clothing brand, possibly from Regatta.
“We also urge people to please refrain from speculating about the incident, to allow the investigation and any subsequent court proceedings to take place.”
DSU Brown previously made an appeal for information on Monday.
He said officers are looking for a pink jacket that Ms Rose was believed to have been wearing immediately before the incident.
Police have since released a map showing the route they believe Ms Rose walked, and want to speak to anyone who saw anything last Wednesday in the areas shown on the map.
Cops were able to locate and recover Anita’s missing iPhone following appeals to trace it.
Mr Brown said officers are also keen to obtain CCTV footage and speak to anyone who was travelling on trains towards Ipswich or Manningtree on that morning who saw anything.
Anita Rose's family tribute
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.”