Officers investigating the death of PCSO Julia James say a man arrested in connection with her murder remains in custody this morning.

The man in his 20s, from the Canterbury area, was arrested at 9.30pm on Friday.

Julia, 53, who was a serving Police Community Support Officer for Kent Police, was found dead next to Akholt Wood in Snowdown at around 4pm on Tuesday, April 27.

She had been working from home that day before taking her dog, Toby, for a walk in the Aylesham Road area. A post-mortem examination revealed Julia died from significant head injuries.

Police and forensics teams are searching a property in Aylesham in relation to the murder investigation.

Three forensics teams were at the scene in Sunshine Corner Avenue and police confirmed the search is linked to inquiries being made in relation to the PSCO's murder.

Officers remain at the scene this morning, with witnesses saying they are searching through drains and a skip.

Police said this morning that the arrested man remains in custody.

The National Crime Agency has said it is supporting the murder inquiry by deploying a range of niche capabilities, including a National Family Liaison Advisor, National Interview Advisor (witnesses and suspects), Digital Media Advisor, Geographical and Behavioural Profiling complemented by a Forensic Clinical Psychologist and National Injuries Specialist.

“MCIS officers are extremely experienced in supporting such investigations and, along with the wider NCA, work closely with police forces throughout the UK every day as part of our collective, whole system response to tackle serious crime.”

Asst Ch Con Tom Richards from Kent Police 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."

Anyone with information is urged to contact Kent Police on 0800 0514 526. Witnesses and anyone with any other information, CCTV or dashcam footage are also asked to submit details online via this link. You can also contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, or by using the online form.

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