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Anita Rose dies following attack in Brantham

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A woman who was found seriously injured on a track near Rectory Lane in Brantham last week has died in hospital. Police have arrested two suspects in connection with the incident.

Anita Rose, a mother of six and grandmother of 13, died on Sunday morning at Addenbrooke's Hospital after being found unconscious on a track near the sewage works and railway line off Rectory Lane in Brantham on Wednesday 24 July.

Rose left her house around 05:00 to walk her springer spaniel, Bruce.

A member of the public discovered her unconscious body at approximately 6:25am and called an ambulance.

Suffolk Police have arrested a 45-year-old man on suspicion of murder and a 37-year-old woman from Ipswich on suspicion of handling stolen goods.

Both have been released on bail until 25 October 2024.

Detective Superintendent Mike Brown said: "This is a very serious incident following which Anita has now sadly died of her injuries. The investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the offence continues, as do enquiries to establish the cause of death."

Police have recovered Rose's missing mobile phone but are still searching for a pink zip-up jacket she was believed to be wearing before the incident.

Rose's family released a statement through the police, 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."

Residents can expect an increased police presence in the area over the coming days as investigations continue. Police urge anyone with information, CCTV, or doorbell camera footage to come forward.

Anyone with information should contact Suffolk Police, quoting reference 37/41580/24, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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Police granted extra time to question teenager suspected of murdering Billy McNicholl

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Detectives investigating the death of William "Billy" McNicholl have been granted an additional 24 hours to question a teenage murder suspect. The extension was approved by Ipswich Magistrates' Court on Thursday 23 January.

Why it matters: The extension gives detectives crucial additional time to question the suspect in what has become a complex murder investigation involving multiple suspects.

The big picture: McNicholl, 63, known as Billy, was found dead at his Hawthorn Drive home on 1 January. A post-mortem examination revealed he died from head injuries and a stab wound.

William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog
William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog

Latest developments:

  • After an initial 12-hour superintendent's extension, officers secured a warrant for a further 24 hours of questioning time.

  • The additional detention period will end on Friday 24 January.

  • The 17-year-old suspect has been held at Martlesham Police Investigation Centre since his arrest on Wednesday.

  • A woman in her 50s, previously arrested on suspicion of murder, remains on bail until 9 April.

Bottom line: Suffolk Constabulary's Major Investigation Team continues to appeal for witnesses. Anyone with information should contact police quoting reference 37/162/25, either through their Major Incident Portal or by calling 101.

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

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