Julia James’ body was discovered at Akholt Wood last Tuesday
(Picture: PA)Candles have been lit for murdered police community support officer Julia James as the probe into her death enters a second week.
The tribute paid by mourners and members of the public across the country came after Kent Police’s top officer said the force was “in deep shock” following her death.
Chief Constable Alan Pughsley said the force would do “all we can” to bring her killer to justice, but warned the community to be “very safe and very careful”.
No arrests have been made in connection with the killing of the Kent PCSO, as police consider “all possible” motives to the incident which happened near Dover in Kent.
The police chief’s words came as mourners left candles on their doorsteps at 7pm on Tuesday.
Meanwhile Prime Minister Boris Johnson paid tribute to Ms James as the vigil was held in her memory.
Writing on Twitter, Mr Johnson said: "Tonight we remember PCSO Julia James. My thoughts are with her friends and family."
Speaking to ITV after visiting flowers left in her memory, Kent’s chief constable vowed to find Ms James’ killer.
He said: “You can imagine that the force are in deep shock with regard to what’s happened to Julia.
Candles lit in #Aylesham a week on from the murder of PCSO Julia James @bbcsoutheast pic.twitter.com/eKJSUB2XnB
— Fiona Irving (@journofi) May 4, 2021
“We will do all we can to find out whoever did this to bring them to justice.”
Tuesday marks a week since the 53-year-old’s body was found in Akholt Wood, close to her home in the village of Snowdown.
The popular PCSO – described as “fiercely loyal” by her devastated family – died from serious head injuries while out walking her dog.
My candle for PCSO Julia James was lit at 7pm.
— Sgt Matt Hughes #HandsFaceSpace (@MattHughesEP) May 4, 2021
May you rest in peace dear Angel. You were a gift to the world. May my candle shine bright this evening in respect of you.
My thoughts, love and prayers are with your family, friends and colleagues. #ThinBlueLine #JusticeForJulia pic.twitter.com/42QKFPQQIq
In a Facebook post, her daughter Bethan Coles said: “A number of people have asked about holding a vigil for Mum, and whilst I am so grateful for people wanting to remember her, I am very conscious that any gathering would need to be policed (if it was even allowed).
For Julia James 💕Please light a candle and put on your doorstep if you can 🙏 pic.twitter.com/YYDOtGXdDQ
— Janine Jury (@J1977) May 4, 2021
“I’ve discussed this with my family and we are in agreement that we would prefer all police resources to be concentrating on the investigation as there is so much work to be done.”
Instead she suggested people wishing to remember her mother should light a candle for her and leave it on their doorstep.
She added: “This would be a beautiful nod to Mum in a way that doesn’t intrude on the police investigation.”
Police in Dover have urged members of the public to be “cautious, vigilant and aware of your surroundings” while out and about.
At a press conference on Friday, Kent Police Assistant Chief Constable Tom Richards declined to rule out that Ms James was killed by a stranger, someone she came across during her work, someone trying to steal her dog, or as part of a sexual assault.
Mr Richards would not comment on any potential murder weapon and also declined to say whether detectives had found signs of a struggle.
