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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Chiara Fiorillo

Huge £10,000 reward offered in hunt for PCSO Julia James's killer as police broaden search

A £10,000 reward has been offered in the hunt for PCSO Julia James' killer as police broaden their search.

The 53-year-old's body was found next to Akholt Wood in Snowdown, Kent, just before 4pm on April 27.

Anyone with information which leads to the conviction of the PCSO's killer has been asked to come forward.

Charity Crimestoppers said: "We are offering a reward of up to £10,000 for information we exclusively receive – either online or by calling freephone 0800 555 111 – that leads to the arrest & conviction of the person behind the murder of PCSO Julia James.

"All we want is information, however small, that might help find those behind this murder."

The PCOS's body was found on April 27 (Kent Online / SWNS)

Mick Duthie, Director of Operations at Crimestoppers, said people can come forward anonymously to share any information they might have.

He said: "Julia’s life has mercilessly been taken away.

"By contacting us, you can help – anonymously – to have the person behind Julia’s murder face up to the consequences of their violent actions and you may even prevent someone else from coming to harm."

The announcement of the reward comes as detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate arranged for officers in Aylesham to expand their investigation.

Officers plan to carry out searches at a number of other locations in addition to the initial crime scene in and around the wood where Julia was found dead.

Assistant Chief Constable Tom Richards said: "I would like to thank the local community for their fantastic support so far.

Police are appealing for information as they carry out the murder investigation (Kent Police / SWNS)

"We are incredibly grateful for their compassion and patience whilst we continue this investigation.

"Furthermore, we continue to urge anyone with information to contact us. We are keeping an open mind and not ruling anything out."

The PCSO had been working at home the day she vanished while walking her dog.

Julia James' son Patrick looks at floral tributes left near her family home in Snowdown (PA)

She was found at around 4pm by members of the public and a post-mortem examination confirmed she had died of significant head injuries.

This week detectives released a photo of Julia in the clothes she was last wearing.

The image shows Julia walking her Jack Russell Toby while wearing a light blue waterproof coat, blue jeans and dark coloured Wellington style brown boots.

A motive is yet to be established and detectives say they are keeping an "open mind" - with no suspects yet identified.

ACC Richards said: "I do not know the motive of this attack. I do not know if it's somebody she knew.

"I do not know if it's a stranger attack, of course that possibility is particularly frightening to local residents."

Mr Richards added: "The local community will continue to see an increased police presence in the Aylesham and Snowdown areas whilst Kent Police supports residents and conducts enquiries."

Anyone with information on the case is urged to contact Kent Police on 0800 0514 526.

They can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or submit footage online.

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