Murdered PCSO's dog tested for DNA as seven new pieces of information made public

New information has been revealed by police as part of a murder investigation following the killing of PCSO Julia James.

The 53-year-old mum and Police Community Support Officer was discovered on a footpath near Akholt Wood, Aylesham, Kent, shortly after 4pm on April 27.

Assistant Chief Constable Tom Richards, of Kent Police, gave a press conference today in which more information around her murder was revealed.

She was found with serious head injuries, with her Jack Russell dog Toby was next to her alive, reports Kent Live.

A massive investigation has followed including a huge search, road checks and multiple appeals for information.

So far though police still say they have made no arrests and established no clear suspects.

ACC Richards was again unwilling to talk about specific lines of enquiry, but some new pieces of information have emerged today.

Police officers conduct a search in a field not far from Ackholt Wood (Getty Images)

1. Julia was home alone when she left to walk her dog

Or at least ACC Richards and his team of detectives believes that she was.

Responding to a question on what time she left the house, he said they did not know because she was home alone at the time.

A police press release issued today also said she was working from home on April 27.

2. Julia was wearing a light blue waterproof coat, blue jeans and brown Wellington boots

Police released an image saying it is the same clothing, apart from the gloves, she is thought to have worn on the day of her death.

Julia James walking her Jack Russell Toby and wearing a light blue waterproof coat, blue jeans and dark coloured Wellington style brown boots - the same clothes she had on when last seen before her murder (PA)

3. Julia was found with "very significant head injuries"

The results of a post mortem examination were revealed last week, determining Julia died from "blunt force trauma".

But for the first time today ACC Richards was heard clearly emphasising the extent of them.

Julia was not on duty at the time of her death, police confirmed (Copyright unknown)

4. Julia's dog Toby has been tested for DNA evidence

ACC RIchards wouldn't be drawn on the results of any forensic enquiries, but said: "We've got a very considerable forensic strategy and it does include the dog."

Julia was found with serious head injuries, with her Jack Russell dog Toby was next to her alive (KMG / SWNS.COM)

5. More than 700 pieces of information have been provided by local residents

ACC Richards said: "We’ve had some fantastic support already from the local community and we’re incredibly grateful for their compassion and patience whilst we carry out our enquiries."

Tributes of hand painted stones and messages left near the scene (Tim Merry / Daily Star)

6. 449 vehicles were stopped as part of the investigation

Road checks were in place to mark a week since Julia was killed

Police said today between 12.30pm and 6.30pm a total of 449 vehicles were stopped and occupants spoken to.

7. The search in the area is likely to continue "for several weeks"

ACC Richards revealed a large police search operation was likely to continue for some time, potentially an ominous sign of progress in the investigation so far.