Skip to main contentEnter
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

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

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

One witness identified in Anita Rose murder investigation, police still seek second

News
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Suffolk Police have identified one of two potential witnesses in the Anita Rose murder investigation in Brantham. The search continues for the second individual, who police believe may hold crucial information about the case.

Why it matters: This development could provide valuable insights into the circumstances surrounding Anita's death as investigators work to piece together the events of July 24th.

Key details:

  • One potential witness has been identified and is assisting police with enquiries.

  • Detectives are still seeking to identify the second individual from the CCTV appeal.

  • Police presence in Brantham has increased as officers conduct further house-to-house enquiries.

A man walking
Police are seeking this man, who is believed to be a potential witness in the caseSuffolk Police

What they're saying: Detective Superintendent Mike Brown stated, "We have not yet identified the second individual from our CCTV appeal and remain keen to speak to them as they may hold key information that could assist with our enquiries. I want to make it clear that this person is not a suspect."

The investigation so far:

  • Anita Rose, 57, died on 28 July from injuries sustained during her morning dog walk on 24 July.

  • Her phone tracking app shows her walk started at 5am and was manually stopped at 6:03am near The Street.

  • Police are particularly interested in sightings between 6am and 6:30am on 24 July.

  • Anita's Regatta Calderdale II jacket and black phone case remain missing.

Anita Rose
Anita Rose, 57, died on 28 July from injuries sustained during her morning dog walk on 24 JulySuffolk Police

What's next: Police urge anyone with information, regardless of how insignificant it may seem, to come forward as they continue to seek the second individual from the CCTV images.

The bottom line: Anyone with information should contact Suffolk Police quoting 37/41580/24 via the MIPP Portal, Crimestoppers, or by calling 101.

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

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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

Ipswich's only free and independent news publication

Support our journalism

We can't do this without you! Unlike the Ipswich Star and East Anglian Daily Times, Ipswich.co.uk has no banner advertising and no wealthy US corporate owners.

So, if you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for a better Ipswich, please consider contributing just £24 per year.

Every penny matters and allows us to keep producing good quality local journalism that respects your time, attention and privacy.

Become a supporter

Suffolk businesses face "most challenging environment since COVID"

News
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Suffolk Chamber of Commerce's latest survey reveals local business activity and future prospects have plummeted to their lowest point since 2020/21.

Why it matters: The vast majority of economic measures are now in negative territory, with more companies reporting declines than improvements, signalling significant challenges for the local economy.

By the numbers:

  • Nearly 80% of Suffolk respondents expressed concerns about business taxation levels

  • Inflation fears jumped to 53% of companies, up 12 percentage points from last quarter

  • Just a fifth of Suffolk manufacturers and a third of service sector businesses are operating at full capacity

The details: The Quarterly Economic Survey for the first three months of 2025 shows steep declines across most sectors, with manufacturers reporting their worst figures since Q2 2020:

  • Cashflow down 20 percentage points to -35%

  • Capital investment down 23 percentage points to -29%

  • Investment in training down 10 percentage points to -16%

  • Confidence in turnover improving down 11 percentage points to -5%

Service sector hit harder: Declines were even greater for the county's service companies with significant falls in:

  • Domestic sales (down 26 percentage points to -12%)

  • Domestic orders (down 25 percentage points to -25%)

  • Investment in training (down 29 percentage points to -37%, the worst since Q2 2020)

What they're saying: "It's really tough out there and the agenda for growth seems very challenging. Another minimum wage increase is unwelcome when coupled with Employer NI increases. It's only going to get more challenging," said a manufacturer in West Suffolk.

"The worst business conditions in our 25-year history," reported a creative services company in East Suffolk.

Root causes: Business leaders identified several factors behind the downturn:

  • Increases to tax liabilities introduced by the Government

  • Removal of some business rates reliefs

  • Lowering the threshold for Employer National Insurance Contributions

  • Above inflation increases to the National Living Wage

  • Uncertainty over the wider global trading situation including US tariffs

Job market impact: The economic tightening is affecting employment, with manufacturers reporting a 22 percentage point fall in recruitment attempts over the last three months, while service companies saw a seven percentage point decline.

Paul Simon, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce
Nicky WestNicky West

What's next: Paul Simon, Suffolk Chamber's head of public affairs, called for two key measures:

  1. No further tax hikes on businesses during this Parliament with progressive reduction in business taxes.

  2. Infrastructure investment in the forthcoming Spending Review, including improvements to the Ely and Haughley rail junctions, and enhancement of the county's strategic road, 5G and water supply infrastructure.

The bottom line: Suffolk businesses are struggling under multiple economic pressures, with the Chamber of Commerce warning this is the most challenging business environment since the COVID pandemic.

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

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

Load next article