Julia James Wiki - Julia James Biography
Julia James was tragically discovered in Akholt Wood in Snowdown, near Dover - with her loyal dog staying with her body until she was found, neighbors claimed.
Forensic officers today flooded the scene where the mother's body had been found as neighbors paid tribute to the "bubbly" woman. Neighbour Sean Simmonds, 57, a paramedic, said that officers told him Mrs. James’s loyal white Jack Russel had stayed with her body after she was killed while on a walk with her beloved pet.
He said: "The police have been doing door-to-door knocks. They told us the dog stayed with her. They found the dog with her. Locals said Ms. James regularly walked her Jack Russell terrier dog, which is believed to be called Toby, along the secluded country footpaths.
The horror happened just two-and-a-half miles from Chillenden, where mum and daughter Lin and Megan Russell, as well as dog Lucy, were murdered in 1996. Lin's older daughter Josie, then nine, suffered horrific injuries but survived the attack. It is understood PCSO Julia had taken her dog for a walk after working from home.
And Sean added: “She talked about her job lots.
“She was always in a good mood, smiling. She didn’t seem to be under any stress. The community was today in shock after the tragic discovery, with local Leah Southwell, 18, saying Julia was always happy.
Leah said: "She was out walking her dogs at the time of the incident. She was so happy. So bubbly, if you were having a bad day she’d be there smiling at you and trying to make you laugh. They are the best neighbors you can have. She was such a happy woman. She was so happy and bubbly."
Mrs James, who lived in Aylesham, Kent, became a PCSO in 2007. Before joining the force, she worked for Kent County Council in a learning resource centre but wanted to get out and about more.
Julia James Age
Julia James was 53 years old.
Family
Mrs James had two grown up children - a daughter who also works for the police and a 23-year-old son.
Cause of Death
The remains of Julia James, 53, were found in Akholt Wood, Snowdown, near Dover, on Tuesday. Kent Police colleagues confirmed Ms. James had served on the force as a PCSO and said they were pursuing "a number of lines of inquiry" into her death.
Detectives have appealed for anybody who was in the area on Monday or Tuesday to come forward. Assistant Chief Constable Tom Richards said: "Whilst there is a full and thorough investigation underway our thoughts also remain with her family, friends, and colleagues.
"We're particularly keen to speak to those who regularly visit the area who may have seen something out of place and those who drove by who have dashcam footage."
People in Snowdown would see an increased police presence as inquiries continued, he said. He advised those in the area to "remain vigilant" until the full circumstances of Ms James' death were established.
While Kent Police have insisted they are treating the tragedy as a suspicious death, the Major Incident Public Portal, which witnesses can use to submit potentially vital information, described it as a 'murder' codenamed Operation Sark.
National Police Federation chair John Apter tweeted: "Police have launched a murder investigation after @kent_police PCSO Julia James was found dead in remote Snowdown woods. My heart goes out to Julia’s family, friend, and her colleagues. This is devastating news."
Police have not revealed how the popular officer died but a post mortem is due to be held to establish the exact cause of death.
The family is now being supported by police family liaison officers.
Officers were seen guarding a field alongside Aylesham Road while several more fields were also sealed off with one officer saying it was a "very big crime scene". An aerial image from the scene appears to show a police tent set up next to floodlights in a nearby field.
Police have not revealed how the popular officer died but a post mortem is due to be held to establish the exact cause of death. Kent Police also refused to say if Mrs. James, who is believed to have served in the domestic violence unit, was on duty or off duty when she died.
Suspicious Death
After becoming a PCSO for Tenterden in 2013, she said: "I am a people person and love being in the community. The people in Tenterden are very friendly."
A Kent Police spokesman said: "Officers were called shortly after 4 pm on Tuesday to Akholt Wood in the Aylesham Road area of Snowdown where the body of a woman, aged 53 was found.
"The victim is a serving Kent Police PCSO Julia James.
"No arrests have been made at this time but detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate are conducting inquiries to establish the circumstances and her death is being treated as suspicious.
"Officers are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area on Monday 26 and Tuesday 27 April who may have seen something unusual or suspicious."
Dozens of police cars were seen heading to the scene this morning. No arrests have been made at this time.
The victim is a serving Kent Police PCSO Julia James."
Kent Police
Assistant Chief Constable of Kent Police Tom Richards said: "Officers are carrying out a number of lines of inquiry to establish the circumstances and people in the Snowdown area will see an increased police presence as a result.
"It saddens me to confirm that the victim was a serving PCSO for Kent Police and whilst there is a full and thorough investigation underway our thoughts also remain with her family, friends, and colleagues.
"It is vitally important that anyone who was in the area on Monday and Tuesday who may have seen something suspicious gets in touch with us.
"We’re particularly keen to speak to those who regularly visit the area who may have seen something out of place and those who drove by who have dashcam footage.
"We would advise anyone in the area to remain vigilant until the full circumstances of the death are established."
A spokesman for the Kent Police Federation, which represents the rank and file officers within the constabulary, said: "Very sad news today as Kent Police confirms the death of PCSO Julia James.
"The thoughts of Kent Police Federation and our members are with Julia’s family, friends, and close colleagues at this sad and difficult time."
Home Secretary Priti Patel also tweeted, saying: "So saddened to hear of the death of Kent Police PCSO Julia James. I offer my sincere condolences to Julia’s friends, family, and colleagues at this awful time."
Officers are keen to speak to anyone in the area on Monday or Tuesday who may have seen something unusual or suspicious.
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK
