Detectives are searching for the killer who killed a woman walking her dog on a remote country road.
The woman, in her 50s, was found unconscious and with serious head injuries on a country road in Bransham, Suffolk, on Wednesday 24 July.
Police say the jacket and cell phone the dog walker was carrying before the attack were missing and they may hold important clues to the case.
Detectives said they were investigating the incident, which left a woman in critical condition and has been opened as an attempted murder case, “with an open mind.”
At a police press conference on July 25, Detective Superintendent Mike Brown acknowledged that the victim’s jacket and mobile phone were being searched and may contain “significant information or evidence.”
Superintendent Mike Brown (pictured) at the scene of the terrifying attack in Brantham, Suffolk Police are appealing for information about a missing jacket and mobile phone found with the dog walker, which they believe may contain vital clues Detectives said they were maintaining an “open-minded” approach following the attack which left a woman in a critical condition and launched an attempted murder investigation
Detective Superintendent Brown said: “This investigation is still in its early stages so it is unclear how the jacket believed to have been worn by the victim or the mobile phone he may have had with him at the time became lost or are no longer in his possession.”
“It’s very important that we locate these items as they may contain important information and evidence that will help us really understand what happened here.”
“The victim certainly suffered a serious head injury but at this early stage we do not know exactly how it was inflicted.”
“The hospital has also reported brain injuries. He has been sedated but remains in critical condition.”
“She has a family and we support that family.”
“We have several lines of inquiry underway. This investigation is still in its early stages and we’re very open-minded about what may have happened.”
“It is extremely unusual for attacks like this to occur in Suffolk. It is extremely frightening. It is disturbing to hear details of these incidents.”
“Clearly, violence against women and girls is very much on the agenda right now and we will always respond with an appropriate approach to any violence, whatever the level.”
The dog walker was found injured and unconscious by a member of the public in the road near Rectory Lane at around 6.30am. Tractor driver Bradley James, 28, who lives in the area, said the attack made local people feel uneasy about walking their dogs.
The woman, who was walking her dog, was found injured and unconscious on the road near Rectory Lane by a member of the public at around 6.30am, who called 999 and attempted to rescue her.
The victim’s dog, a springer spaniel, was with her while she was unconscious and is said to be safe and unharmed.
People in Brantham said they were shocked by news of the incident on Thursday morning.
Bradley James, 28, a tractor driver who lives in the area, said: “Dog walkers use this road all the time.”
“It’s a real tragedy. That doesn’t happen in this village.”
“A lot of people are a bit nervous about going out to walk their dogs. My mum is scared because she doesn’t know what’s going on.”
Ian Swan, 58, who lives in nearby Mistley, added: “It always seems very safe there.”
“There are a lot of people around. I’ve never come here and not seen anyone.”
“But I’ve never heard of any problems here.”
Rosie Rawlinson walks her dog along the route three or four times a day and said she “absolutely” feels she could continue to do so.
She said: “I’ve been here for four and a half years and nothing like this has ever happened. I have to say it was a scary early morning walk this morning.”
