A dog walker has died four days after she was found with serious head injuries on a country path.
The family of Anita Rose, 57, have paid tribute to the ‘well known and loved mum’ as police hold a 45-year-old man on suspicion of murder.
She was found unconscious on a track near to Rectory Lane in Brantham, Suffolk, early on Wednesday morning.
CCTV footage released by Suffolk Police shows Ms Rose leaving her house at around 5am to take her springer spaniel dog, named Bruce, for a walk.
She was found lying on the ground by a member of the public at around 6.25am who then called for an ambulance.
The 57-year-old was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital for treatment but died on Sunday morning, police have said.
CCTV images issued by Suffolk Police of Anita Rose before she was found with serious head injuries
Officers on the scene where the dog walker was reportedly attacked on Rectory Lane in Brantham, Suffolk
Police combing the scene where Ms Rose, 57, was discovered on Wednesday morning
A 45-year-old man was arrested yesterday afternoon on suspicion of attempted murder and was taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.
He has since been re-arrested on suspicion of murder, Suffolk Police have said.
A 37-year-old woman from the Ipswich area was also arrested yesterday on suspicion of handling stolen goods in connection with the incident.
The pair have since been released on police bail with conditions to return on October 25.
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 that they think might be useful to the police investigation on Wednesday and anyone living in the area that has CCTV or doorbell cameras.’
Police have found a iPhone they were searching for but have so far been unable to locate the pink zip-up jacket officers believe Ms Rose was wearing.
Police on the country track where Ms Rose was discovered on Wednesday at around 6.30am by a member of the public
Police issued a photo of Ms Rose in an appeal to trace her mobile phone and zip-up jacket
Following the incident, anxious Brantham residents have spoken of their fears of returning to the usually ‘safe and peaceful’ countryside path.
Bradley James, 28, a tractor driver who lives in the area, said: ‘Dog walkers always use these paths.
‘It’s quite tragic, really – you don’t get anything like that happening in this village.
‘A lot of people are a bit nervous to go walking their dogs. My mum is scared because you don’t know what’s going on.’
Ian Swan, 58, from nearby Mistley, added: ‘It always seems very safe down thereusually.
‘There’s plenty of people around – I’ve never been out here and not met someone. But I’ve never heard of any problems down here.’
Rosie Rawlinson said she walked her dogs three to four times a day along the route but ‘absolutely’ felt she could continue doing so.
She said: ‘Nothing like this has ever happened like this in the four and a half years I’ve been here. I was scared this morning on my early walk, I must admit.’
Simon Harley, a councillor on Suffolk County Council, added: ‘I am of course 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 amazing people, and I am sure this incident is a one-off, but I would urge people to take sensible precautions at this time.’
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.
You are also able to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
