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Police continue investigation into Anita Rose's murder

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Suffolk police are intensifying efforts to solve the murder of Anita Rose, 57, who died after sustaining a serious head injury during a dog walk in Brantham last week.

Suffolk Constabulary's Major Investigation Team is pursuing multiple lines of inquiry to uncover the circumstances surrounding Rose's death.

This includes house-to-house interviews, scene searches, CCTV analysis, and ongoing forensic work.

A map of Anita Rose's last known movements
A map of Anita Rose's last known movements and where she was discoveredSuffolk Police

Key details:

  • Anita Rose left her home around 5am on Wednesday, July 24, to walk her springer spaniel, Bruce.

  • A passerby found her unconscious on a track near the sewage works and railway line off Rectory Lane at approximately 6:25am.

  • Rose was taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital with a serious head injury and passed away on Sunday morning, July 28.

Arrests made:

  • A 45-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and later re-arrested for murder.

  • A 37-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods related to the incident.

  • Both suspects have been released on police bail until October 25, 2024.

What they're saying: Detective Supt Mike Brown said, "Residents will continue to see additional police officers patrolling and engaging in the area. We recognise that many people will feel concerned, but I can reassure you that we are working hard to identify what has taken place and that this investigation is a priority for the Constabulary."

Public appeal: Police are seeking information about Rose's missing pink waterproof jacket, believed to be from an outdoor clothing brand like Regatta.

Safety advice: Det Supt Brown advised residents concerned about going for walks to "remain vigilant, tell someone where you are going, what time you expect to be back and let them know when you are home."

What's next: Police plan to conduct an anniversary check in the Rectory Lane area on Wednesday, July 31, and are working with British Transport Police to explore additional leads.

How to help: Anyone with information is urged to contact Suffolk police, quoting reference 37/41580/24, via the MIPP Portal, Crimestoppers, or by calling 101.

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Has Fabio Wardley's 'dream' Portman Road fight moved one step closer?

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The British heavyweight champion and diehard Ipswich Town fan could see his ambition to fight at his beloved club become reality after a new licence application.

Why it matters: Ipswich Town Football Club has applied for a variation of its licence at Portman Road. The application has requested boxing or wrestling entertainment to take place between 12:00 and 22:30 on Sundays to Thursdays, as well as 12:00 to 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

West Stand at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
West Stand at Portman Road stadium in IpswichHolly Woodard-Williams

What they're saying: Speaking with the BBC, an ITFC spokesperson said: "Following infrastructure improvements to Portman Road over the past couple of years, it will not be uncommon for the stadium to apply for various licences to host events across different sectors; this is just one of many that will start to appear."

For context: British heavyweight champion and Ipswich Town fan Fabio Wardley said it was his "dream" to fight at the ground.

In October 2024, Wardley told BBC Radio Suffolk he wanted to fight at Portman Road, saying: "It's still the dream and it's on the cards".

"If anything it's closer than ever now because being with Frank Warren my promoter, he's done stadium shows before and he knows how to put them on.

"When it happens is still a massive question but pieces are definitely falling into place for this."

Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in IpswichAlamy

The bigger picture: Ipswich Town chief executive, Mark Ashton, said in November 2024 that the club had been in discussion with Wardley about appearing at the ground and that it was in the "pipeline" but not "imminent".

The details: The club has also requested to be permitted to include live music performances, playing of recorded music, dance performances as well as alcohol sales and late night refreshments.

Portman Road underwent a series of improvements last summer to prepare the ground for Premier League football, including new media facilities, more executive boxes and the introduction of safe standing areas at the ground for the first time.

What's next: Posters advertising the change have been put up in the area around the ground with people able to have their say on the change until 24 April.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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