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Police renew appeal two weeks after the murder of Anita Rose

News

Detectives investigating the death of Anita Rose in Brantham are seeking fresh information from the public two weeks after her attack. The 57-year-old died on 28 July following injuries sustained during her morning dog walk.

Why it matters: The ongoing investigation needs public assistance to piece together the events leading to Anita's death, with police particularly interested in sightings between specific times and locations.

Anita Rose
It's been two weeks since Anita Rose was murdered in BranthamSuffolk Constabulary

Key details:

  • Anita left home around 5am on 24 July for her usual dog walking route.

  • Police are focusing on sightings between 6am and 6:30am from Newmill Lane to the track near Rectory Lane.

  • Two new cordons were placed at Newmill Lane on 4 August.

  • Anita's pink zip-up jacket, believed to be worn during the incident, is still missing.

The investigation so far:

  • Three arrests have been made: two on suspicion of murder and one for handling stolen goods.

  • A Home Office post-mortem was conducted, but the cause of death remains undetermined.

  • Police continue forensic work, searches, house-to-house enquiries, and CCTV analysis.

What they're saying: Detective Superintendent Mike Brown stated, "It has now been two weeks since Anita was attacked and we continue to work hard to establish the circumstances around her death. The response we have received via our Major Incident Public Portal and questionnaires have been invaluable and it's important that the public continue to engage with us."

What's next: Police urge anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward. They also ask the public to refrain from speculation to protect the investigation's integrity and potential court proceedings.

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

Suffolk faces diagnosis crisis as autism assessment backlog doubles

News

Suffolk and North East Essex has seen a dramatic rise in autism assessment waiting times, with just 2% of long-wait patients receiving appointments.

Why it matters: The dramatic increase in waiting times is preventing thousands of local residents from accessing proper support and services, which often require a formal diagnosis. Mental health experts warn these delays can lead to increased anxiety and stress for those awaiting assessment.

By the numbers:

  • 4,130 patients currently waiting for assessment in Suffolk and North East Essex – up from 2,310 last year

  • 87% (3,605) have waited more than 13 weeks

  • Only 2% of long-wait patients received appointments in September

The bigger picture: The local crisis reflects a national trend, with NHS England reporting:

  • 204,876 patients waiting across England

  • 27% rise from last year

  • 43-week median waiting time for first appointment

  • 161% increase in referrals over the past four years

What they're saying: "An autism assessment can be the first step to really understanding people's needs," says Tim Nicholls, assistant director of policy at the National Autistic Society. "Waiting for months or years for an assessment leaves people struggling without the right support, increasingly stressed and anxious. It pushes some people to a mental health crisis."

The response: NHS England says it has published new national guidance to help local partners deliver better assessment services. They acknowledge the significant increase in referrals but claim there are "improvements in the number of assessments completed."

The bottom line: While the NHS promises improvements, the growing backlog in Suffolk suggests the situation may worsen before it gets better, leaving thousands of local residents in limbo without formal diagnosis and support.

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