Julia James: Death of PCSO found in Snowdown woods treated as murder

The death of a serving police community support officer whose body was found in woodland is being treated as murder.

The remains of Julia James, 53, were found in Akholt Wood, Snowdown, near Dover, on Tuesday.

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.

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

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.

Dozens of officers continued to search woodland and hedgerows on Wednesday, while a forensics team examined the area around a police tent erected on the edge of a field.

Assistant Chief Constable Tom Richards said: "Whilst there is a full and thorough investigation under way our thoughts also remain with her family, friends and colleagues.

"We're particularly keen to speak to those who regularly visit the area who may have seen something out of place and those who drove by who have dashcam footage."

People in Snowdown would see an increased police presence as inquiries continued, he said.

He advised those in the area to "remain vigilant" until the full circumstances of Ms James' death were established.

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

"I offer my sincere condolences to Julia's friends, family and colleagues at this awful time," she said.

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