£10,000 reward offered for information to find PSCO Julia James' killer

6 May 2021, 18:06

A £10,000 reward is being offered for anonymous information leading to the conviction of the killer of PCSO Julia James.

The popular community support officer was found dead in Akholt Wood near her home in Snowdown, Kent, on Tuesday April 27.

Kent Police are investigating but have yet to identify any suspects or establish a motive for the 53-year-old's murder.

The force said on Thursday that it was broadening the search area to include "a number of other locations" in addition to the woodland where she was found.

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Crimestoppers are offering a reward of up to £10,000 for anonymous information that leads to her killer being convicted.

The crime-fighting charity's director of operations, Mick Duthie, said: "Julia's life has mercilessly been taken away.

"If you know who was involved, please remember our charity's unique service guaranteeing your anonymity is here for you.

"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."

Read more: 'I'm scared to go out': Ex-colleague of murdered PCSO Julia James reacts to her death

The reward will only be made available to those who pass information directly to Crimestoppers.

Ms James, described as "fiercely loyal" by her family, died from serious head injuries while out walking her dog.

On Wednesday, police issued an image of the PCSO in the clothes she was wearing before she was killed.

The picture shows Ms James walking her Jack Russell, Toby, while wearing a light blue waterproof coat, blue jeans and dark Wellington-style brown boots.

Police said it was the same clothing, apart from the gloves, which she wore on the day she died.

Assistant Chief Constable Tom Richards said the public had provided hundreds of pieces of information to investigators, but would not comment specifically on one report that she may have been followed the day before she was murdered.

He told journalists the force still has no idea what the motive for her murder was, and no suspect.

Mr Richards told reporters at Folkestone police station on Wednesday: "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."

Officers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate have also released images of part of the crime scene, about which they are keen to receive more information.

Detectives would like to speak to anyone who was within the area defined by the red lines in the map on Tuesday April 27
between 1pm and 4.30pm.

That area is contained by boundaries of the pathways of Spinney Lane to the north, Aylesham Road to the east, Holt Street to the south and Pond Lane to the west.

Anyone with information regarding Ms James's murder can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on freephone 0800 555 111 or via its website.