Detectives investigating the murder of PCSO Julia James have now identified a man photographed near the scene of her death.

Police released an image of the man earlier today, saying he had been pictured a quarter-of-a-mile away from where Julia's body was discovered last Tuesday in Snowdown, between Dover and Canterbury.

They believed he had information or evidence that would be key to solving the case.

And tonight police have confirmed they have identified him and no longer need the public's help to track him down.

Assistant Chief Constable Tom Richards said: "As throughout the investigation the power of the public and their support has helped this investigation and I want to take this opportunity to thank them for getting in touch to help us.

"I can confirm we have identified the man in the photo and we no longer need the media to run his image, nor do we need further information about him at this time."

Mum-of-two Julia was found dead with "significant head injuries" on a footpath next to Ackholt Wood shortly after 4pm last Tuesday.

She had been walking her Jack Russell, Toby, at the time of the fatal attack.

ACC Richards says detectives are still keen to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the quiet hamlet at the time.

"It remains that we still need to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time between 1pm and 4.30pm on Tuesday, April 27, as well as 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," he said.

"Despite identifying this individual, we are still keen to hear from those who have information that may help us."

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.

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