Anita Rose, 57, was found seriously injured on a rural road in Suffolk and has now died from her injuries.
Anita Rose dies in hospital (FACEBOOK)
Several key questions remain unanswered in the case of a woman found seriously injured while walking her dog on a country lane and who later died, including what became of her pink jacket.
Anita Rose, 57, was found lying in the road off Rectory Lane in Bransham, Suffolk, at 6.25am last Wednesday with severe head injuries, next to her dog Bruce, who was uninjured.
The victim was seen on doorbell camera wearing a pink zip-up jacket shortly after leaving her home at 5am, but was discovered 90 minutes later without the jacket and her Apple iPhone had been stolen. Rose was treated by paramedics and taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, where she tragically died on Sunday morning. Investigators are now investigating the mother-of-six’s death as a murder.
Detective Superintendent Mike Brown said: “This is a very serious incident and Anita has sadly since died from her injuries. The family continues to be supported by specially trained officers as part of the investigation. Enquiries are continuing to establish the full extent of the crime and enquiries are continuing to establish the cause of death. However, I can confirm that the scene in Rectory Lane has now been cleared. ” While Suffolk Police continue to appeal for the public to come forward with any information, here are five mysteries surrounding the incident.
Rose wearing her distinctive pink jacket (courtesy of police)
Pets unharmed
A member of the public reportedly found Rose lying unconscious on the railway tracks near the sewage treatment plant and railway tracks in Rectory Lane at about 6.25am last Wednesday. Rose had suffered serious head injuries but her dog, Bruce, a springer spaniel, was unharmed. Detective Superintendent Brown said Rose was a “local resident” who would wake up early in the morning to walk along a “well-known and well-used route”. Superintendent Brown said a man cycling to work along the railway tracks had called 999 after which a passing woman stopped to help. Rose was found close to the River Stour, which has many paths often used by dog walkers.
Jacket is lost
Rose was seen on doorbell camera shortly after leaving the house wearing her distinctive pink zip-up jacket, but when she was discovered 90 minutes later the jacket was gone. Police are appealing to find the clothing which they believe may provide a clue as to what happened. “The missing pink zip-up jacket is a waterproof material and is an outdoor brand, possibly from Regatta,” police said.
Rose photographed on the morning she went missing (courtesy of police)
Lost iPhone
Investigators said an Apple iPhone was also seized at the scene where Rose was found, along with the pink jacket. “Officers were also able to locate and recover the missing mobile phone, an Apple iPhone. The pink zip-up jacket which police believe was worn by Anita shortly before the incident remains missing,” police said.
The roles of the two arrested
It is understood two people have been arrested in connection with the incident but their names and details of their involvement are not known. 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 rearrested on suspicion of murder. A 37-year-old woman from the Ipswich area was also arrested yesterday on suspicion of handling stolen goods in connection with the incident and taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning. Both have since been released on police bail with the condition that they be released on or before 25 October 2024.
Where are the witnesses?
In a statement released by Suffolk Police, Rose’s family said: “Our mother was well known and loved in the community. She was cruelly taken from us at such a young age and we have been robbed of so much time with her. Not only was she a mother to six children, she was a grandmother to 13, a long-time partner and mother-in-law and a special friend to so many. Someone, somewhere, must know something and we would urge them to come forward. We would like to thank everyone for their love and support. All we ask is that you cherish the time you have with your family and loved ones.”
The police appeal also said: “While searches and door-to-door visits are ongoing, we would like to hear from anyone who saw anything on Wednesday which may assist police in their inquiries, as well as anyone who has security or doorbell cameras in the area. ” Anyone with information is asked to contact Suffolk Police, quoting reference 37/41580/24.
