Woman attacked while walking her dog, dies – police arrest murder victim

A woman has died after being attacked while walking her dog.

Anita Rose was walking her dog when she was attacked and left unconscious on a country track in Suffolk. Rose, 57, was found with serious head injuries on a country track near Rectory Lane in Brantham, Suffolk, at 6.25am last Wednesday. Her uninjured springer spaniel Bruce was lying next to her.

The mother of six was caught on a doorbell camera wearing a pink zip-up jacket shortly after leaving her house at 5 a.m. It was missing when she was found 90 minutes later and an Apple iPhone was stolen.

Ms Rose, who is believed to live in Brantham, was treated by paramedics before being taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, where she remains in a critical condition. Suffolk Police have now confirmed Ms Rose died on Sunday, July 28, and a murder investigation has been launched.

In a tribute to Mrs Rose, the family said: “Our mother was well-known and loved in the community. She was taken from us in a brutal way far too early and we were robbed of so much time with her.”

“Not only was she a mother of six, but a grandmother to 13, a long-term partner, 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 that everyone cherish the time they have with their family and loved ones.”

Police also confirmed that two people have been arrested in connection with the death. A 45-year-old man was arrested yesterday afternoon on suspicion of attempted murder and taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning. He has since been re-arrested on suspicion of murder.

A 37-year-old woman from the Ipswich area was also arrested yesterday on suspicion of receiving stolen goods in connection with the incident and taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

Both have since been released on bail, with orders to return on October 25, 2024. Police officers have also found the missing phone, but the pink zip-up jacket she was wearing remains missing.

Detective Superintendent Mike Brown said: “This is a very serious incident and Anita has sadly succumbed to her injuries. The family will continue to be supported by specially trained police officers as part of the investigation.”

“Enquiries into the exact circumstances of the crime are ongoing, as are inquiries into the cause of death. However, I can confirm that the crime scene in Rectory Lane has been recovered. Local residents can expect a continued police presence over the next few days while enquiries are ongoing. There will also be extra officers in the area to reassure residents.

“While searches and house-to-house interviews are taking place, we would like to speak to anyone who saw anything on Wednesday that they believe could be of use to the police investigation, as well as anyone who lives in the area and has CCTV or doorbell cameras.”