Murder investigation: Home Secretary expresses condolences to family of police officer

Murder investigation: Kent PCSO found dead in village

The Home Secretary has expressed her condolences to the family of a serving Police Community Support Officer who died in Kent.

The body of 53-year-old Julia James was found in Ackholt Wood, close to the village of Snowdown on Tuesday.

Priti Patel said she was "So saddened to hear of the death of Kent PCSO Julia James. I offer my sincere condolences to Julia's friends, family and colleagues at this awful time."

Kent Police launched a murder investigation yesterday and the force said it was pursuing a number of inquiries.

Assistant Chief Constable Tom Richards added it was "vitally important" that anyone who was in the area on Monday and Tuesday, who may have seen something suspicious, comes forward.

"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."