Tributes as police hunt for ‘kindest’ PCSO’s killer
APOLICE Community Support Officer who has been murdered in a quiet hamlet in Kent has been described as “the kindest person I ever met”.
Detectives continue to investigate the killing of their colleague Julia James, who was reportedly last seen taking her dog for a walk and found with head injuries.
Flowers have been left for the PSCO in nearby Aylesham, with a note from “the Guys in Blue” saying: “Your Duty is Done. Take it easy for now we will take it from here!”
Parts of Snowdown are cordoned off as the investigation continues, but police have yet to make any arrests over the 53-year-old’s killing.
The hamlet, surrounded by fields, lies less than three miles from the village of Chillenden where Lin Russell and her six-year-old daughter Megan were killed in a savage attack in July 1996 while walking their dogs.
Yesterday forensic specialists wearing white suits were seen working outside a tent in a nearby field while uniformed officers patrolled the area.
The field has been an early focus of the murder inquiry, with the white tent erected just 200 metres from Ms James’ home.
Ms James, whose body was found in Akholt Wood, on Tuesday, was last seen while walking her dog, according to reports.
A touching floral tribute left at the scene paid tribute to her, saying: “Dearest Julia RIP you made me laugh! The kindest person I ever met love Becki x”
Members of the public have also been laying flowers on the green in nearby Aylesham.
One note said: “Rest In Peace Beautiful Lady & Fly High, You Will Always Be In Our Thoughts
“Gone But You Will Never Be Forgotten”
Another note praises Ms James for her “Heart of Gold”.
A grandmother who lives nearby, who asked not to be named, told the PA news agency: “I walk through woods in our home always on my own or with my grandson and my dog and you expect to be safe, don’t you? I will be more vigilant, be more aware and be more careful when I go out at the moment.”
Speaking after adding her own flowers to the growing pile of floral tributes for Ms James, the woman added: “A lot of people want to show their respects to her. (It’s) very sad.”
Meanwhile, a uniformed police officer remained outside the home in Snowdown where Ms James is believed to have lived.
The murder came as a shock to a small community, with resident John Miller, 72, saying: “I can’t believe it’s true to be honest, everyone feels safe round here.”