Man, 55, is arrested on suspicion of homicide of canine walker Anita Rose

A 55-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of a mother-of-six who was found unconscious after taking her dog for a walk three months ago.

Anita Rose left her house to take her springer spaniel Bruce for a walk at around 5am in Brantham, Suffolk, on July 24.

The 57-year-old was found lying unconscious with serious head injuries near the sewage works and railway line off Rectory Lane at about 6.25am by a male cyclist who called an ambulance.

With her jacket taken, she was found wearing only her bra on her top half, as well as leggings and trainers on her lower half, with Bruce’s lead wrapped around her leg, Suffolk Police said.

Ms Rose was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, in Cambridge, but tragically died four days later. Officers said Ms Rose’s dog, which was still with her, was not harmed.

Anita Rose left her house to take her springer spaniel Bruce for a walk at around 5am on July 24

CCTV images of Anita Rose wearing a cerise Regatta Calderdale II jacket, which is still missing

Suffolk Police issued a map showing the route that Anita Rose walked in Brantham on July 24

Police arrested a 55-year-old man in Ipswich on suspicion of murder on Monday morning, the force said.

The man is currently being questioned at Martlesham Police Investigation Centre.

Previously, there have been three arrests in connection with the inquiry – a man aged in his 20s and a 45-year-old man on suspicion of murder, and a 37-year-old woman on suspicion of handling stolen goods.

All three were subsequently released on bail.

Last week, Ms Rose’s daughter, Jessica Cox, appeared on BBC’s Crimewatch Live.

In an emotional interview, she said: ‘We don’t understand how someone could brutally, horrifically attack someone while they’re walking their dog.

‘I really want anyone who has any information, however small or insignificant they think it may be, to come forward and speak to the police.

‘We need to find the person who did this to my mum, they need to face justice.

Jessica Cox, Anita Rose’s daughter, spoke to BBC Crimewatch Live about her mother last week

A photo of Jessica Cox with her mother Anita Rose, shown in the BBC Crimewatch Live appeal

Anita Rose, pictured with her partner Richard Jones. They had been together for 13 years

‘It won’t be enough, but they did it to my mum and they could do it to somebody else, and they’re still out there.’

Last month, Suffolk Police released CCTV images of two potential witnesses that officers would like to speak to, and stressed that the pair are not suspects in the case but that officers believe they may be able to assist with inquiries.

One of them has now been identified and is assisting officers with inquiries, the force said, and police are continuing to try to identify the second person.

The independent charity Crimestoppers has offered a £20,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of anybody involved in the death of Ms Rose.

Anyone with any information that may assist with the inquiry is asked to contact the Major Investigation Team via the online portal at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/363723O47-PO1

Alternatively, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via its online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org