PCSO Julia James’ murder: Cops arrest man 11 days after mum-of-two killed on dog walk

POLICE hunting the killer of PCSO Julia James have arrested a man 11 days after she was bludgeoned to death while walking her dog.

The mum-of-two, 53, was found with serious head injuries last Tuesday on a remote footpath near Ackholt Wood in Snowdown, Kent.


Police today confirmed a suspect, a Brit national in his 20s from Canterbury, was arrested at 9.30pm last night.

The man was arrested around eight miles away from where the PCSO was found tragically killed.

It comes after cops released a picture of a man "crucially important" to the investigation who was seen in the area the day after her body was found.

But Kent Police confirmed last night they were no longer seeking information about him.

Assistant Chief Constable Tom Richards from Kent Police said: "We continue to urge anyone with information, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, to contact us.

"If you were in the Snowdown area between 1pm and 4.30pm on Tuesday 27 April please contact us.

"This includes anyone local who may have seen something out of place at the time, or who came across someone who made them feel uneasy – such as feeling compelled to cross the road or change the route they were walking."


Julia had left her home with Jack Russell Toby on her usual dog-walking route an hour before the brutal killing on April 27.

The timetable led to fears the mum-of-two could have been followed for an hour before she was pounced on.

Her beloved dog stayed with her body after the attack, which police believe was random.

Assistant Chief Constable Richards said previously the force can't rule out if her killer was someone she came across in her work, a potential dog-napper or if there was a sexual motive.

Julia, who worked for the domestic violence unit, was not on duty at the time of her death or wearing uniform.

A £10,000 reward to catch the monster responsible was offered by Crimestoppers this week as police ramped up the investigation.


Officers were seen searching an old coal mine in Kent as they "broadened" their search.

Almost 450 cars were also stopped by police on Tuesday as they carried out road checks in the area.

Locals in the small Kent hamlet were left terrified by the murder as the killer remained at large.

They were urged to stay vigilant and be aware of their surroundings as police kept an "open mind" over the attack.


Her devastated husband paid tribute to Julia with a heartbreaking comment underneath a picture of the pair on their wedding day.

Paul James, 57, changed his profile picture on social media to the loved-up snap of the couple following the tragic loss of his wife.

He also used the "Help us find #justiceforjulia" frame which many people have adopted to spread awareness.

Mr James commented beneath it: "I miss you so much Luvly xxx"

Julia's devastated family previously paid tribute to the "fiercely loyal" mum and gran.

They said in a statement: "There are no words to adequately describe the void left in our lives by the death of our mum.

"She was so much to so many people; a wife, mother, daughter, nanny, sister and a friend.

"Mum was fiercely loyal, she loved with her whole heart and nothing was too much trouble for the people she cared about.

"She had a beautiful smile and was always quick to laugh, she was so naturally funny with a brilliant sense of humour.

"It’s difficult to describe a person in a few sentences, to describe who they truly were is impossible, but the people who knew her will know how kind she was and how she would bring so much fun and life to a room.

"Her loss will be felt by us every moment of every day. She will be so sorely missed. As a family we are trying to understand how we will navigate our lives without her, it seems an impossible task.

"We would like to thank everybody who has messaged and left flowers, the outpouring of love and support from friends, the local community and our policing family has been enormous.

"After meeting with the police we have every confidence that they are doing everything within their power to find the person responsible and I urge everybody who may have any information, however small or insignificant to contact the police.

"You could be helping us get justice for Julia."

Officers are keen to speak to anyone in the area on Monday or Tuesday who may have seen something unusual or suspicious.

Anyone with information should call 0800 0514526 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.





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