Julia James: Man in his 20s arrested in connection with PCSO's murder

8 May 2021, 12:15 | Updated: 9 May 2021, 11:03

A man in his 20s has been arrested in connection with the murder of PCSO Julia James
A man in his 20s has been arrested in connection with the murder of PCSO Julia James. Picture: Social media
Nick Hardinges

By Nick Hardinges

A man in his 20s has been arrested in connection with the murder of PCSO Julia James, Kent Police has announced.

The individual, a British national from the Canterbury area, was detained at 9:30pm on Friday evening and remains in custody, police said.

Earlier on Saturday, officers confirmed they had identified a man who they said could be of "crucial importance" in the investigation.

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

A post-mortem examination revealed the 53-year-old died from significant head injuries.

Read more: Police identify man who 'could be key' in PCSO murder probe

Read more: Family of Julia James pay tribute to 'fiercely loyal' PCSO

Friends and former colleagues of Julia James pay tribute

Assistant Chief Constable Tom Richards from Kent Police said on Saturday: "We continue to urge anyone with information, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, to contact us.

"If you were in the Snowdown area between 1pm and 4:30pm on Tuesday 27 April please contact us.

"This includes anyone local who may have seen something out of place at the time, or who came across someone who made them feel uneasy - such as feeling compelled to cross the road or change the route they were walking."

At a briefing in Folkestone on Friday, Mr Richards told reporters that police have yet to establish a motive for Ms James' murder.

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

Read more: Candles lit at vigil for murdered PCSO Julia James

PCSO Julia James was found dead in Akholt Wood near her home in Snowdown, Kent
PCSO Julia James was found dead in Akholt Wood near her home in Snowdown, Kent. Picture: PA

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

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

The picture shows the victim 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.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Kent Police on 0800 0514 526. Witnesses and anyone with any other information, CCTV or dashcam footage are also asked to submit details online. Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online or by phone on 0800 555111.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Tijjani Reijnders has joined Manchester City from Milan and takes the club’s spending this year to £288m.

Manchester City continue summer spending spree with new £46million Dutch midfielder

'Telling Derek about my heart condition would have killed him,' admits Kate Garraway

'Telling Derek about my heart condition would have killed him,' admits Kate Garraway as she shares health battle

Phineas Float, Jonathan Collyer, and Lisa Stocker who are accused of smuggling nearly a kilogram (over two pounds) of cocaine into Indonesia sit inside the courtroom at Denpasar District Court

'I was framed': British mother facing death penalty in Bali for 'smuggling cocaine in Angel Delight' claims stitch-up

A TV ad for Twix showing a man with flowing hair involved in a car chase and crash that results in his and an identical, caramel-coloured car sandwiched on top of each other, has been banned

Twix advert banned for encouraging unsafe driving

Police searching for Madeleine McCann clues uncovered buried guns and bone fragments

Madeleine McCann police find ‘two buried guns' near prime suspect's abandoned house

Claudia Winkleman (left) and Tess Daly are set to be recognised in the King's Birthday Honours list

Strictly Come Dancing hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly 'to be recognised' in King's Birthday Honours list

One of the Red Arrows Hawk T1 jets comes in to land at Liverpool John Lennon Airport. The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team are staying overnight in Liverpool before continuing their their journey from RAF Lossiemouth.

RAF hits back over claims Red Arrows 'in crisis' after legendary display team forced to plunder old planes for parts

A vehicle is set alight during an anti-immigration demonstration in Ballymena

Anti-immigration unrest leaves 17 officers injured in Ballymena as police chief slams 'dangerous' underfunding

Manchester City have unveiled French star Rayan Cherki ahead of Club World Cup

Manchester City seal £30.5million deal for France midfielder Rayan Cherki ahead of Club World Cup

Harry Brook and England with the vitality trophy during the 3rd Vitality IT20 between England and West Indies at Utilita Bowl.

England complete T20 series clean sweep to continue Harry Brook’s winning start

Orlando Bloom's two-hour procedure took place at Clarify Clinic in London

Orlando Bloom pays £10k treatment to remove microplastics from his blood

Rough sleeping is set to be decriminalised in England and Wales

Rough sleeping to be decriminalised in England and Wales under plans to ditch 'pernicious' 200-year-old law

A 14-year-old boy who was stabbed to death in Manchester has been named locally as Ibrahima Seck

Three teenage boys charged with the murder of 14-year-old Manchester schoolboy Ibrahima Seck

Health leaders are now urging people to be cautious when considering cosmetic procedures.

Vampire facial warning issued after cleaning concerns at Wolverhampton clinic

An elderly old age pensioner sits with his hands on a walking stick in a care home.

Gut bacteria changes could be ‘warning sign for worsening Parkinson’s symptoms’

Karen Bass says the restrictions will be in force in downtown areas of LA from 8pm to 6am local time (4am to 2pm UK time).

Los Angeles mayor imposes curfew 'to stop the looting' on fifth day of clashes against immigration raids