Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
PCSO mum is murdered as she walks dog
Pet Jack Russell ‘waited with kind and helpful Julia’
THE body of a popular PCSO has been discovered on a remote footpath “with her pet dog by her side”.
Julia James, 53, was found dead near fields and woods on Tuesday.
Neighbour Sean Simmonds, 57, told the Mirror he saw the married mother-of-two head out to walk her beloved Jack Russell at 3pm, but did not see her return.
Police were called at 4.10pm and are said to have found the pet dog waiting by her side, he added.
Paying tribute to the PCSO, who is believed to have worked in a domestic violence unit, he said: “She was always in a good mood. She was always smiling and chatting. It’s such a shame.”
Julia is said to have two children – a daughter who also works for the police and a 23-year-old son – as well as a young grandchild
Neighbour Leah Southwell, 18, said: “She was the loveliest, kindest person. She was so popular in the community. She was always doing something to help someone out.”
A murder investigation is under way, it has been confirmed.
A fire crew attended the scene by Akholt Wood in Snowdown, near Aylesham, Kent, two hours after the discovery to assist police.
The site is two miles from where Lin Russell and daughter Megan were bludgeoned to death on a bridle path in 1996. Michael Stone was jailed for life for their murders. Kent Police are appealing for witnesses to the new crime and asked locals to be vigilant. No arrests have been made.
Assistant Chief Constable Tom Richards said: “Officers are carrying out a number of lines of enquiry to establish the circumstances and people in the Snowdown area will see an increased police presence.”
Home Secretary Priti Patel said she was “so saddened” about the death, tweeting: “I offer my sincere condolences to Julia’s friends, family and colleagues.”