ARREST IN PCSO MURDER
Police search house one mile away
DETECTIVES hunting the killer of PCSO Julia James arrested a man yesterday, 11 days after the mumof-two was bludgeoned to death.
Police community support officer Julia, 53, who had been walking her dog Toby, was found on a path in woodland near her home. She had suffered severe head injuries.
Officers said a man in his twenties had been arrested.
Forensic teams “linked to inquiries” were seen combing a house in Aylesham, near Canterbury, Kent, around a mile from where Julia was killed.
Police arrived at the twostorey home on a new-build estate between 9pm and 10pm on Friday, then began questioning neighbours.
Estate agent Annabel Pomeroy, 25, who lives across the road, said: “I saw the officers and tape when I woke up.
“Forensics came at around 9am and were there about five hours.”
Police earlier issued a picture of a man “crucially important” to the investigation, seen in the area around Snowdown, Kent, the day after Julia’s body was found there.
But they later announced they were no longer seeking information about him.
The arrested man, described only as a British national from the Canterbury area, remained in custody last night. Assistant Chief Constable Tom Richards said: “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 April 27, 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.”
Julia had left her home with Jack Russell Toby on her usual walk at 3pm. Toby was still with her when her body was discovered just over an hour later.
Julia, who worked for Kent Police’s domestic violence unit, was off duty at the time and not in uniform.
Husband Paul, 57, posted on social media: “I miss you so much Luvly”. Relatives called Julia “fiercely loyal”, adding: “She
loved with her whole heart.”
Forensics came at 9am and were there five hours ANNABEL POMEROY NEIGHBOUR ON SEARCH