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Man arrested in Ipswich in Anita Rose murder investigation

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Police have arrested a 55-year-old man in Ipswich on suspicion of murder in connection with the death of Anita Rose in Brantham.

The big picture: The arrest comes nearly three months after the 57-year-old grandmother was fatally attacked during her morning dog walk.

Why it matters: This significant development could potentially lead to a breakthrough in the case that has shocked the Brantham and wider Suffolk community.

Key details:

  • The suspect was arrested on Monday 21 October and is being questioned at Martlesham Police Investigation Centre.

  • Anita was found critically injured on 24 July and died four days later in hospital.

  • She was discovered wearing only her bra, leggings, and trainers, with her dog's lead wrapped around her leg.

  • Anita's springer spaniel, Bruce, was unharmed in the incident.

The investigation so far: This is the fourth arrest in the case. Three people were previously arrested and released on bail in connection with the incident.

Replicated image of the full jacket
Her jacket remains missing, a key piece of evidence in the investigationSuffolk Police

What's next: Police continue to appeal for information, with Crimestoppers offering a £20,000 reward for details leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

The bottom line: Anyone with information is urged to contact the Major Investigation Team via the online portal or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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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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