Brantham residents to meet Police and Crime Commissioner after Anita Rose murder
It's an opportunity for them to share their concerns
Last updated 3rd Dec 2025
A meeting has been arranged between Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner and Brantham residents, following ongoing concerns in the village after the murder of Anita Rose last year.
Anita Rose was killed while walking her dog in Brantham on 24 July 2024. Her killer, Roy Barclay, was handed a life sentence for murder in August (2025).
More information on the trial and sentencing can be found here.
Today's meeting, organised with the parish council, will give residents a chance to raise concerns directly with Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore. Local policing representatives, including the area’s Inspector, will also be in attendance.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Mr Passmore said he understands why residents still feel unsettled.
“I entirely agree,” he said when asked whether the impact may still feel raw for local people.
“That’s one of the reasons I did say some time ago I’ll be very happy to meet with local residents and that’s why the meeting’s taking place on Wednesday evening.”
"If there are issues... we’ll take them down, and we’ll take them forward"
He said attending events like this forms part of his statutory responsibility to support victims and communities affected by crime.
“As Police and Crime Commissioner, part of your statutory responsibility is to attend to the needs of victims,” he said.
“I will be there to listen and hear what people have got to say, provide reassurance and if there are issues that they wish to raise, then we’ll take them down, and we’ll take them forward and see what we can do to help.”
Mr Passmore described Anita Rose’s death as a “terrible, terrible crime”, adding that incidents of this nature remain uncommon in Suffolk.
“While such situations are extremely rare in Suffolk, it doesn’t mean they never happen,” he said.
“In a nice village like Brantham, something like that, that horrific crime, people inevitably feel unsettled and concerned.”
He also acknowledged the fear some residents may still feel following the attack, particularly because it appeared random.
Mr Passmore said the fact that Roy Barclay has been caught and sentenced may offer some reassurance, but he recognises the community is still processing what happened.
“I do hope that is reassurance for people, but nevertheless the worry that people will have… it doesn’t erase what has happened, and nothing will ever bring Anita Rose back,” he said.
The Commissioner said he hopes Wednesday’s meeting will give villagers an opportunity to ask questions, share concerns and discuss how safe they feel living in the area.
“If there are things we can do to help, then I’ll be very pleased to listen to people and take them forward,” he said.