Police pursuing multiple lines of enquiry as the Brantham murder investigation continues

Three people arrested in connection with the incident have all been released on bail.

Anita Rose
Author: Shaunna BurnsPublished 5th Aug 2024

Police investigating the murder of Anita Rose in Brantham say they are continuing to pursue multiple lines of enquiry as they seek to establish the full circumstances surrounding her injuries and subsequent death.

The Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team have been working over the last two weeks to piece together the evidence they have collected so far.

This includes forensic work, searches, house-to-house enquiries and CCTV analysis. Officers continue to search for the pink jacket Anita was seen to be wearing prior to the incident and are appealing to the public to come forward with any information that may assist with the inquiry. The jacket is described as a pink, zip-up, waterproof jacket and is believed to be from an outdoor clothing brand, possibly from Regatta.

Two cordons were also put in place in the Newmill Lane area yesterday afternoon, Sunday 4 August, both of which are on a typical dog walking route for Anita.

Residents can expect to see a continued police presence as officers conduct further enquiries.

Anita Rose, 57, left her house at approximately 5am on Wednesday 24 July to take her dog for a walk.

At approximately 6:25am, a member of public found Anita lying on a track road near the sewage works and railway line, off Rectory Lane, unconscious, and called an ambulance. Officers were then called by the East of England Ambulance Service shortly after 8am.

Anita had sustained injuries to her head and face and was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, where she sadly died four days later (on Sunday 28 July). A Home Office post-mortem examination has been carried out, but the cause of death is pending, subject to further tests.

On Wednesday 31 July, a man aged in his 20s and from Brantham was arrested on suspicion of murder. He was taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning and has since been released on bail until Thursday 24 October 2024, with conditions including not to enter Brantham and Manningtree.

Detective Supt Mike Brown said: “It may be that the release on bail of another person arrested in connection with Anita’s murder causes residents or the wider public to be concerned, but again I want to re-assure you that we have the safety of the community and the public at the top of our priorities whenever we are making decisions.

“I know it has been almost two weeks since Anita was found but I would still very much encourage anyone with any concerns or with any information that might be useful to us to either call us or to speak to our officers who will be at the cordons on the Newmill Lane area today.

“Anita’s family continue to be supported by specially trained police officers as part of the investigation.”

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