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Julia James murder probe: Queues at roadblock as police continue investigations

Roadblocks have been set up close to the scene of PCSO Julia James's murder as the hunt for her killer continues.

Queues at least 10 cars deep have formed while police carry out the checks in Snowdown and along Spinney Lane in Aylesham, near Canterbury.

Police are hoping to speak to people they haven't talked to during the checks this afternoon
Police are hoping to speak to people they haven't talked to during the checks this afternoon
PCSO Julia James was found dead in Snowdown
PCSO Julia James was found dead in Snowdown

Vehicles will continue to be stopped in the area until 6.30pm, with officers hoping to speak to anyone who has not already come forward.

It is hoped that some of the motorists spoken to may hold information that could prove key to the investigation into Mrs James's murder.

The 53-year-old's body was found next to Ackholt Wood in the Aylesham Road area of Snowdown just before 4pm last Tuesday.

A post-mortem examination found that Julia died after suffering significant head injuries. She had been walking her dog at the time of the attack, having worked from home that day.

No arrests have been made as part of the probe, but Kent detectives says they are "continuing to follow a number of lines of enquiry and are examining all possibilities in terms of motive and suspects".

Queues of vehicles have formed around the roadblock in Spinney Lane, Aylesham
Queues of vehicles have formed around the roadblock in Spinney Lane, Aylesham
There are checks being carried out in Spinney Lane (pictured) and in Snowdown
There are checks being carried out in Spinney Lane (pictured) and in Snowdown

The National Crime Agency has also given officers some assistance by providing specialist advice on forensic search techniques.

Assistant Chief Constable Tom Richards said earlier today: "PCSO Julia James was a much-loved member of the policing family and we are all shocked and devastated by her death. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies remain with her family and friends.

"I would like to reassure them and everyone else that we are leaving no stone unturned in investigating what happened to Julia and bringing whoever was responsible to justice.

"My thanks go to the significant number of people who have spoken to us and provided information to date.

"If you think you might know something and have not already spoken to us then please do get in touch, no matter how insignificant you might think it is. Sometimes the smallest pieces of information lead to the biggest breakthroughs.

Flowers left in Aylesham for PCSO Julia James
Flowers left in Aylesham for PCSO Julia James
A roadblock has been put in place in Snowdown as part of the murder investigation into Julia James's murder
A roadblock has been put in place in Snowdown as part of the murder investigation into Julia James's murder

"We understand why people living in the Snowdown area and further afield may feel uncertain about their own safety following Julia’s death, and we continue to advise people to remain vigilant until the full circumstances are established."

A tent has also been set up in Market Square, Aylesham, for anyone with information or concerns to stop by and speak to an officer.

Mrs James' daughter, Bethan Coles, has invited people to light candles at 7pm on their doorsteps to remember her.

A roadblock has been set up in Snowdown as part of the murder investigation
A roadblock has been set up in Snowdown as part of the murder investigation

Anyone who was in the area last Monday and Tuesday and may have seen something suspicious is urged to contact Kent Police on 0800 0514 526.

Anyone with video footage can submit it online here.

You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

To get the latest updates in ongoing cases, police appeals and criminals put behind bars, click here

Read more: All the latest news from Canterbury

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