Julia James: Police say they are ‘desperately’ trying to identify man

Police investigating the death of PCSO Julia James say they are “desperately” trying to identify a man who “could be key” to the solving the murder.

Kent Police have released an image of a man they said they want to speak to, who is understood to have been in the Aylesham area on Wednesday April 28.

Mrs James, 53, was found bludgeoned to death in woodland near her home in Snowdown, Kent, on April 27, shortly after leaving the house with her beloved Jack Russell that afternoon.

Assistant chief constable Tom Richards told reporters: “I’m not saying here and now that he is a suspect, but he is of crucial importance to the investigation.”

“Anybody who knows who that man is, we desperately need you to make contact with us and identify who that man is.

“If this person is watching, please contact us, you have crucial information.”

Mr Richards added that police had “many names” and were interested in “many individuals”.

Assistant Chief Constable Richards added: “We’re still waiting for that critical phone call or piece of information to help solve this investigation.

“We have a large team of specialist detectives working on this case but there is someone somewhere who knows this man in the picture, or who knows something about the day Julia died.

“I urge them to do the right thing and get in touch. We will handle your call with the utmost confidence and sensitivity.”

A post-mortem revealed Ms James died from significant head injuries.

Ms James’ husband Paul broke his silence to write ‘I miss you so much Luvly xxx’ under an image of the two he shared to Facebook.

Kent Police have yet to establish a motive for the 53-year-old’s murder.

The force said on Thursday that it was broadening the search area to include “a number of other locations” in addition to the woodland where she was found.

Crimestoppers are offering a reward of up to £10,000 for anonymous information that leads to Ms James’ killer being convicted.