Julia James: Killed community officer last seen taking dog for a walk

Julia James was a serving PCSO with Kent Police

A serving police community support officer found dead in woodland was last seen taking her dog for a walk, the BBC has been told.

A murder investigation was launched after the body of Julia James, 53, was found in Akholt Wood, Snowdown, near Dover, just after 16:00 BST on Tuesday.

Ms James had been off duty at the time, Kent Police said.

Police have been carrying out searches of woodland and nearby fields, and Ms James's home has been cordoned off.

Police erected a white tent on the edge of a field at Akholt Wood

A white police tent which was erected after Ms James's body was discovered is still in place in the woods, which is a popular spot for dog walkers.

A few hundred metres away a house with a car and a van parked on the driveway was under police guard.

Officers in vans have also been posted at the start of footpaths leading off Holt Street where portable facilities have been erected.

Floral tributes have been left close to the scene with one saying: "Dearest Julia RIP you made [me] laugh! The kindest person I ever met."

The main road between Aylesham and Snowdown remains closed off.

Police have cordoned off Julia James's home in The Crescent in Snowdown

Kent Police colleagues confirmed Ms James had served on the force as a PCSO and said they were pursuing "a number of lines of inquiry" into her death.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said she had been "so saddened" to learn of the death.

Speaking to 5 News, Ms James's nephew Karl James described his aunt as "just a lovely person".

He said: "Obviously it's been a real shock. I work away, but my wife is here - heavily pregnant - and with young kids, so she's on edge at the moment too.

"So I've come home and just waiting for answers - that's the worst bit really."

Detectives have appealed for anybody who was in the area on Monday or Tuesday to come forward.

At the scene: BBC reporter Simon Jones

The hunt for Julia James's killer is continuing.

It's a fast-moving investigation but also a difficult investigation for Kent Police officers because, of course, they are looking into the murder of one of their own officers.

She was last seen by a neighbour leaving her home on Tuesday afternoon as she went to walk her dog.

We've seen a lot of searches of fields - this is a very rural area and a lot of places are cordoned off as officers carried out fingertip searches.

Assistant Chief Constable Peter Ayling said it had been "a tough day for many" on the force.

There were "some shattered people today following the loss of one of our own," he said.

Matthew Scott, the Kent police and crime commissioner, said his thoughts were with Ms James's family and friends.

St Peter's Church in Aylesham opened for prayers on Thursday morning, with flowers laid on the village green, including one that appeared to be from police colleagues.

The vicar, the Reverend Nick Ratcliffe, said: "There's been shock and disbelief that this could happen so close to home in a quiet area of Kent.

"People are coming to terms with what's happened and they need to come somewhere and just sit quietly and reflect, say a prayer and just have time to do something to show their grief."

Flowers have been left on the village green in Aylesham

One of the floral tributes appears to be from police colleagues

Dover MP Natalie Elphicke praised Ms James and urged the public to be vigilant.

On Twitter she said: "Julia James was a popular pillar of our community.

"My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. Kent Police have advised local people to be vigilant. It is important to follow that advice".

Egerton Farmers' Market said Ms James was among a group of PCSOs who held "pop-up" stations at the market where residents could raise their concerns and ask questions.

Follow BBC South East on Facebook, on Twitter, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail].