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Police seek two key witnesses in Anita Rose murder investigation

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Suffolk Police are appealing for two individuals to come forward as potential witnesses in the murder investigation of Anita Rose in Brantham. Detectives believe these persons may hold crucial information about the attack.

Why it matters: Identifying these witnesses could provide vital clues to help solve Anita's murder and bring closure to her family and the community.

A man walking
Police want to speak to two witnesses who they believe may be able to assist with the caseSuffolk Police
A man walking
A second man police believe can assist with their investigationsSuffolk Police

Key details:

  • Anita Rose, 57, was found unconscious on 24 July and died four days later from a head injury.

  • Police have reviewed over 100 hours of CCTV footage as part of their extensive enquiries.

  • An updated map of Anita's likely route has been released based on her mobile phone tracking data.

  • Detectives are still searching for Anita's missing Regatta Calderdale II jacket and black phone case.

What they're saying: Detective Superintendent Mike Brown stated, "It's important we identify and locate these two individuals to get a better understanding of how they can assist the investigation. Any information they have, big or small, could assist in establishing the full circumstances surrounding Anita's injuries and subsequent death."

He added: “It must be understood that we believe they may be able to assist us in our enquiries and are not suspects in this case."

A map of Anita's movements
An updated map of Anita's likely route has been released based on her mobile phone tracking data.Suffolk Police

The investigation so far:

  • Over 200 statements have been taken and 1,200 house-to-house questionnaires completed.

  • Police are particularly interested in sightings between 6am and 6:30am from the top of Newmill Lane to where Anita was found.

  • Anita's walk tracking app was manually stopped at 6:03am near The Street, which was normal for her usual route.

What's next: Police urge the two individuals or anyone who recognises them to come forward. They also continue to appeal for information about suspicious people or vehicles in the area.

The bottom line: Anyone with information should contact Suffolk Police quoting 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

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

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