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Third arrest made in Brantham murder investigation

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Police have arrested a third person in connection with the murder of Anita Rose in Brantham last week. The arrest follows anniversary checks conducted by officers on Wednesday morning.

Why it matters: The ongoing investigation into this case continues to develop, with police actively seeking public assistance and making progress in their inquiries.

The key details:

  • A man in his 20s from Brantham was arrested on suspicion of murder on Wednesday afternoon.

  • This is the third arrest in the case, following two previous arrests made on 27 July.

  • Anita Rose, 57, was found injured on a track road near Rectory Lane on 24 July and died in hospital four days later.

  • Police conducted high-visibility anniversary checks on Wednesday, speaking with residents and commuters.

What they're saying: Detective Superintendent Mike Brown said, "We have had a strong response from the public who have positively engaged with officers in the village, on the public transport network and around the scene of the incident, as well as the wider investigation team through the Major Investigation Public Portal and we would like to thank the public for their continued support."

The investigation so far:

  • Over 1,200 leaflets were handed out during anniversary checks.

  • Police have received nearly 40 new responses via their Public Portal.

  • Anita's iPhone has been recovered, but her pink zip-up jacket remains missing.

  • Police urge the public to refrain from speculation about the incident.

What's next: Police continue to appeal for information, particularly from residents with CCTV or doorbell cameras and train passengers who may have witnessed anything suspicious.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Major Investigation Team at Suffolk police quoting 37/41580/24 via the MIPP Portal or Crimestoppers.

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

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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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