Heartbroken family pays tribute to 57-year-old mother of six who died after being attacked on a remote country road

The heartbroken family of a dog owner killed in an attack on a remote country lane have paid tribute to the mother of six who was “brutally taken from us”.

Anita Rose died tragically four days after she was found with severe head injuries.

The 57-year-old’s family paid their last respects to the “well-known and loved mother” while police arrested a 45-year-old man on suspicion of murder.

They said she was “brutally and far too soon taken from us and we were robbed of so much time with her.”

She was found unconscious on a path near Rectory Lane in Brantham, Suffolk, early on Wednesday morning.

CCTV footage released by Suffolk Police shows Ms Rose leaving her home at around 5am to walk her springer spaniel, Bruce.

She was found lying on the ground by a passerby at around 6:25 a.m. and an ambulance was called.

The 57-year-old was admitted to Addenbrooke’s Hospital for treatment but died on Sunday morning.

Anita Rose’s son Ash Rose has published an appeal on Facebook to the public to help the police with their investigation.

He wrote: “The person who did this to my mother and my children’s grandmother is still out there!”

“Our family appreciates the kind words, but please, please SHARE and TALK to any friends or relatives who may know something, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem to them, and urge them to contact the police. Thank you.”

And her partner Richard Jones posted: “That was my beautiful Anita, I love you forever and ever in my heart.”

In addition, her family’s touching tribute said: “Our mother was well known and loved in the community.”

“She was taken from us brutally and far too soon, and we were robbed of so much time with her.”

“She was not only a mother of six, but a grandmother 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 that everyone cherish the time they have with their family and loved ones.”

A 45-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder on Saturday afternoon and taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

He has since been re-arrested on suspicion of murder, Suffolk police said.

In connection with the incident, a 37-year-old woman from the Ipswich area was also arrested on Saturday on suspicion of receiving stolen goods.

The couple have since been released on bail, with the condition that they return on October 25.

Detective Superintendent Mike Brown said: “This is a very serious incident and unfortunately Anita has now succumbed to her injuries.”

“The family will continue to receive support from specially trained police officers as part of the investigation.”

“Investigations into the exact circumstances of the crime are ongoing, as are investigations into the cause of death. However, I can confirm that the crime scene in Rectory Lane has been recovered.

“Residents should expect a continued police presence over the next few days while the investigation is ongoing. In addition, additional officers will be on site to reassure the public.”

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

Although the police have found a wanted iPhone, they have not yet been able to find the pink zip-up jacket that officers believe Ms. Rose was wearing.

Following the incident, concerned Brantham residents said they were afraid to return to the normally “safe and peaceful” land route.

Bradley James, 28, a tractor driver who lives in the area, said: “Dog owners always use these paths.”

“It’s really quite tragic – things like this don’t happen in this village.”

“A lot of people are a little nervous when they walk their dogs. My mother is scared because she doesn’t know what’s going on.”

Ian Swan, 58, from nearby Mistley, added: “Normally it always seems very safe down there.”

“There are a lot of people here – I’ve never been here without meeting someone. But I’ve never heard of any problems down here.”

Rosie Rawlinson said she had been walking the route with her dogs three or four times a day but “absolutely” felt she could keep going.

She said: “Nothing like this has ever happened to me in the four and a half years I have been here. I must admit that I was scared on my early walk this morning.”

Simon Harley, a councillor on Suffolk County Council, added: “I am obviously shocked and saddened by this incident and my thoughts and prayers are with the victim and her family.”

“Brantham is normally such a safe and peaceful place with wonderful people and I am sure this incident was an isolated incident, but I would urge people to take sensible precautions now.”

Anyone with information or knowledge about the incident which could assist police with their investigation should contact Suffolk Police quoting 37/41580/24.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.