A 57-year-old woman has died in hospital four days after she was attacked while walking her dog in Suffolk, police have said.
Anita Rose was found unconscious with a serious head injury by a member of the public at about 6.25am on Wednesday in the village of Brantham. She had left her house at about 5am to take her springer spaniel, Bruce, for a walk and was discovered on a track near Rectory Lane.
Rose was taken to Addenbrooke’s hospital in Cambridge for treatment but died on Sunday morning.
The victim’s family paid tribute to the mother of six in a statement, saying: “Our mum was well known and loved in the community. She was brutally taken from us devastatingly too early, and we have been robbed of so much time with her.
“She wasn’t just a mum of six, she was also a grandma to 13, a long-term partner, a mother-in-law and a special friend to so many. Someone, somewhere must know something, and we urge them to come forward.
“We want to thank everyone for their love and support. All we ask is for everyone to cherish their time with their family and loved ones.”
A 45-year-old man from the Ipswich area was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of attempted murder and has since been rearrested on suspicion of murder, Suffolk constabulary said.
A 37-year-old woman from the Ipswich area was also arrested on Saturday on suspicion of handling stolen goods in connection with the incident. The pair have been released on police bail with conditions to return on 25 October.
The force said officers had located and recovered a missing Apple iPhone but a pink zip-up jacket police believe Rose was wearing before the attack is still missing.
Det Supt Mike Brown said: “This is a very serious incident following which Anita has now sadly died of her injuries. The family continue to be supported by specially trained police officers as part of the investigation.
“The investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the offence continues, as do inquiries to establish the cause of death. Though I can now confirm that the scene has been lifted on Rectory Lane.
“Local residents should expect to see a continued police presence over the next few days while inquiries take place, while additional officers will also be in the area to provide reassurance to the local community.
“Whilst searches and house-to-house inquiries take place, we are keen to speak to anyone who saw anything on Wednesday that they think might be useful to the police investigation and anyone living in the area that has CCTV or doorbell cameras.”
