Women have been warned to avoid a woodland and stick to their 'normal route' after the body of a PCSO was found on a remote path in Kent.
Julia James, 53, had worked for the police for nearly 15 years when she was reported missing from home in the village of Aylesham, near Canterbury.
Kent Police are treating her death as suspicious and PCSOs in the area have urged women to not "veer from your normal route", The Times reports.
MP Natalie Elphicke praised Ms James and urged the public to be vigilant.
The Dover and Deal MP said on Twitter : "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.
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"Anyone with any information should contact kent-police straight away."
Neighbours described Julia - formerly Julia Ghost - as “friendly, people person" and a mum-of-two.
A couple who asked not to be named told Kent Online: “She’s the same age as our daughter - they went to school together.
“We have known her since she was four years old. She was always friendly - a nice woman.”
The couple added they believe Julia moved to Snowdown around 10 years ago.
They said the tiny hamlet, which is made up of just 54 houses, was usually “quiet”.
“Everyone keeps themselves to themselves, more or less,” they added.
“You pass people, they say hello and that’s it."
Several police vehicles arrived at the scene on Wednesday as forensics teams were photographed close to the path on which Ms James' body was found.
An Aylesham resident describes the neighboured, where Ms James was found dead, as "family friendly", and said she was "always friendly".
Michael Bates said: "It's a very family friendly close-knit community, everybody tends to look out for everybody else, having children neighbours will be keep a close eye on them.
"To be honest with you I haven't really processed it, obviously we've just found out today. It's a shock.
"She was always friendly, because it is so small everybody is like that."
A neighbour told Kent Online: "It's quite unnerving to know that's happened in a sleepy hamlet. It makes your blood run cold."
Police are still urging anyone with information to come forward as they investigate the murder of Ms James.
The death was originally viewed as "suspicious" but Kent Police confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that it is being treated as murder.
Assistant Chief Constable Tom Richards said it was "vitally important" that anyone who was in the area on Monday and Tuesday, who may have seen something suspicious, comes forward.
Officers are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area on Monday and Tuesday April 26-27 who may have seen something unusual or suspicious.
They are encouraged to contact Kent Police on 0800 0514 526.
