The Chief Constable of Kent Police has appealed directly to the murderer of PCSO Julia James, encouraging them to turn themselves in.

The 53-year-old was killed while out walking her Jack Russell near her home in Snowdown, outside Canterbury, last Tuesday.

Alan Pughsley warned Mrs James' killer that the force is "coming to get you" as officers from other forces are drafted in to aid the investigation. Speaking this morning, he said the force was "throwing everything" at the case.

"It’s a massive case," he said. "As you can imagine we throw everything at every murder and this is a murder in the most brutal of circumstances.

"We’ve had hundreds upon hundreds of officers and staff working 24 hours, seven days a week, and we've gone to national police forces to ask for some help on that, that went out on my behalf yesterday."

External forces are being drafted in both for manpower and for expertise on motives, which is something that has not been established as of yet.

Mr Pughsley also declined to comment on whether officers had found a murder weapon, and said that investigators weren't 100% sure about what was used to kill Mrs James.

He told the BBC: "Our evidence search is specifically around Aylesham and Snowdown, at this point in time, but in terms of looking for the supsect we’re not limited to that area.

"We are looking at whether or not someone could have travelled in from outside the area, or is from the area; whether they’re a Kent resident or from further afield, it matters not to us.

"The murderer himself or herself knows, and I'd say to them turn yourself in, because we're coming to get you.

"They know that their time will come, we will not rest in any shape or form. We will find you, I am absolutely certain.

"You will never, ever get away with this, you will always be looking over your shoulder. The best thing you can do is hand yourself in."

An abandoned colliery and a field in the surrounding area were searched by officers yesterday, with the investigation now entering its 10th day.

A £10,000 reward has been offered by Crimestoppers for information leading to the conviction of the person who killed the 53-year-old mum-of-two.

Those with information are urged to contact Kent Police on 0800 0514 526. Anyone with video footage can submit it online here.

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