Brantham dog walker dies four days after attack

A woman seriously injured after being attacked while walking her dog has died in hospital, police said.

Anita Rose, 59, was found unconscious in Brantham, Suffolk on Wednesday.

She died at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge on Sunday morning.

Police said an Ipswich man, who had previously been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, had been re-arrested on suspicion of murder.

Ms Rose was found on the track between the railway line and a sewage treatment plant by a member of the public at around 06:25 BST on Wednesday.

She is believed to have left home around 5am to walk her springer spaniel Bruce in the village on the River Stour estuary on the Essex-Suffolk border.

Police were called to the track near Rectory Lane by paramedics shortly after 8am.

A 45-year-old man who was re-arrested was being questioned at Martlesham Heath Investigation Centre.

Suffolk police said a 37-year-old woman was also arrested on Saturday on suspicion of handling stolen goods.

Police said the couple were released on bail with conditions to return on October 25.

Police said Ms Rose’s missing mobile phone had now been located and recovered.

The distinctive pink jacket she wore was still missing.

Superintendent Mike Brown said Ms Rose’s family “continue to be supported by specially trained officers”.

“The investigation to establish all the circumstances surrounding the offence is continuing, as are the investigations to establish the cause of death,” he said.

“I can now confirm that the scene has been lifted on Rectory Lane.”

He said door-to-door enquiries had been carried out and he was asking anyone with useful information from CCTV or doorbells to get in touch.

A family statement released by police said Ms Rose was a mother of six children and grandmother of 13 grandchildren and had a long-term partner.

“Our mother was well known and loved in the community,” the family said.

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

“Someone, somewhere, must know something, and we encourage them to come forward.

“We want to thank everyone for their love and support.

“All we ask is that everyone cherishes the time spent with their family and loved ones.”