Police facing pressure in wake of two murders

Suffolk Police are now investigating two separate murders that happened two weeks apart

A police and crime commissioner (PCC) said his police force were doing "everything possible" as it faces huge pressure following two separate murders.

Tim Passmore, Suffolk's PCC, spoke after the deaths of Anita Rose, 57, from Brantham, two weeks ago and a woman stabbed in Ipswich on Tuesday.

It comes at a time when forces across the country are facing huge pressures as riots take place in the wake of the murder of three girls in Southport on Merseyside.

"It is a serious situation and two [murders] in the space of a few days does of course add extra pressure," Mr Passmore said.

Suffolk PCC Tim Passmore says police resources will be made available if required to help in the investigations

"Those resources are there and they are made available accordingly.

"There is no compromise to try and get these murders solved and bring the offenders to justice as quickly as possible."

Ms Rose was walking her dog in Brantham when she was attacked on 24 July before she later died in hospital.

Three people have since been arrested and all bailed with conditions to return to police in October.

In Tuesday's incident, a woman in her 20s was stabbed to death in Burrell Road, Ipswich. The road is still cordoned off.

No arrests have been made but the force said it believed those involved did know each other well.

Mr Passmore understood the public's concern following the incidents, which he said were "very unusual" for the county.

"Everything possible is being done to solve these two terrible crimes," he added.

"With all the trouble elsewhere in the country this is really the time to emphasise how we all need to work together, pull together and keep everybody safe."

Anita Rose died in hospital after she was attacked whilst walking her dog in Brantham

Police across the country are preparing for more possible riots which have been fuelled by misinformation online.

Misinformation surrounding the Brantham murder investigation has also been spread in the wake of this.

Social media users - including English Defence League (EDL) founder Tommy Robinson - claimed one of the men and the woman arrested were Somali migrants.

Suffolk Police confirmed in a statement that individuals held in connection with the case were not Somali migrants and said it would continue to dispel this information.

"I have to say I am sickened by the fact that people do this," Mr Passmore said.

"These people are so irresponsible. It's totally unacceptable."

He asked people to think "extremely carefully" when reading information on social media.

"We've got enough difficulties nationwide to deal with, we don't want them in Suffolk," he added.

"It's not how we behave in Suffolk.

"Please don't add fuel to the fire by spreading malicious rumours based on falsehoods and prejudice.

"Use social media for the right purpose and not for spreading disturbance and trouble which is completely unnecessary."