Reward of £10,000 offered in hunt for killer of PCSO

‘Crimestoppers is here to help people who, for whatever reason, can’t speak directly to the police’

A REWARD of £10,000 has been offered for information that helps catch the killer of PCSO Julia James.

The 53-year-old mother of two was bludgeoned to death as she walked her Jack Russell terrier near her home in Snowdown, Kent, on Tuesday, April 27.

Detectives have been working around the clock to find her killer but have admitted they still have no suspect or motive for the murder.

Now the charity Crimestoppers, has offered a reward of £10,000 for anonymous information that leads to the conviction of Mrs James’s killer.

Mick Duthie, director of operations at Crimewatch, said: “The public, like our charity, have been horrified at this heart-breaking loss of such an innocent life. Our thoughts are very much with Julia’s family and friends at this terrible time.

“Crimestoppers is here to help people who – for whatever reason – won’t or can’t speak directly to the police, but want to do the right thing.

“By contacting our charity with information, we guarantee that you will stay 100 per cent anonymous. We’re not interested in who you are and will never ask for your details. All we want is information, however small, that might help find those behind this murder.

“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.”

Meanwhile, Kent Police said they were expanding searches in the area where Mrs James was found and will begin examinations in other locations beyond Akholt Wood in Snowdown.

Asst Chief Constable Tom Richards said: “I would like to thank the local community for their fantastic support so far. We are incredibly grateful for their compassion and patience whilst we continue this investigation.

“Furthermore, we continue to urge anyone with information to contact us. We are keeping an open mind and not ruling anything out.”

Mrs James had been working at home alone on the afternoon of Tuesday, April 27, when she took her dog out for a walk.

Members of the public discovered her body shortly after 4pm and alerted police. She had died as a result of significant head injuries.

Detectives have since been carrying out painstaking searches including forensics analysis of the area in a desperate attempt to make a breakthrough.