An abandoned colliery has been searched by police as the hunt for PCSO Julia James' murderer enters a ninth day.

A field about a kilometre from where the mother-of-two's body was found is also being combed.

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

A major murder investigation has since seen hundreds of officers comb the countryside surrounding the hamlet, in a search for evidence.

Today, black-clad officers could be seen clambering over gates at the abandoned Snowdown Colliery on Holt Street near the hamlet's train station.

The coal mine is one of four major sites that used to operate in Kent and has been empty since 1987.

A witness said they had been searching the site for about two hours.

Meanwhile more search teams and people in white forensic suits have been seen searching a field in the Womenswold area, about one kilometre from where Julia was found.

They are thought to be scouring a footpath that leads to the place where she was discovered last Tuesday afternoon, beside woodland.

Police say they are "considering a wide range of locations", as they work to establish the route Julia's killer may have taken to or from the murder scene.

Police do not yet have any motive or suspects in mind for the brutal killing.

Assistant chief constable Tom Richards later added: "I would like to thank the local community for their fantastic support so far. We are incredibly grateful for their compassion and patience whilst we continue this investigation.

"Furthermore, we continue to urge anyone with information to contact us. We are keeping an open mind and not ruling anything out."

Detectives are appealing for anyone who was in the area around the time of Julia's death to get in touch.

Yesterday, officers released a new photo of Julia wearing what she is believed to have been wearing when she was killed, in hope of sparking a memory from anyone who may have seen her that day.

In a press briefing yesterday, ACC Richards said: "This is an awful tragic incident."

He said officers have been "investigating relentlessly" since Julia's death, but described it as "hugely challenging".

"I would like to thank particularly the residents of Snowdown and Aylesham who have been massively supportive and patient," he said.

"They've provided over 700 pieces of information to the investigation team. That is so important to piece everything together that happened at that time."

ACC Richards confirmed that Julia had been alone at home last Tuesday, when she went to take her dog Toby for a walk.

He added: "We have no motives for this attack and we don't know whether this was done by somebody Julia knew or whether this was a stranger attack, which would be particularly frightening to local residents.

"We are also trying to establish the route the offender took to reach the location and leave it."

ACC Richards also said that hundreds of officers were involved in the investigation and it was expected they would be at the scene for weeks.

He added: "The family are being very brave and courageous during an incredibly difficult time.

"We will make absolutely every effort to solve this. This is the number one priority for Kent Police."

He added that this case was not linked to other offences, making it a more difficult investigation.

He said there was no suspect in mind at present and said: "This also makes it a hugely challenging investigation as we usually have a suspect early on. But we are keeping an open mind."

He said police were trying to confirm whether the killer had come on foot, by private vehicle or by public transport.

Watch the press conference in Folkestone yesterday

Both Aylesham and Snowdown and Nonington Halt railway stations are close by and cameras there are among the CCTV being looked at.

Julia was found at about 4pm last Tuesday by members of the public, and a post-mortem later confirmed she had died of "significant" head injuries.

Officers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate have also released images of part of the crime scene which they are keen to receive more information about.

In particular, detectives would like to speak to anyone who was within the area defined by the red lines in the map between 1pm and 4.30pm last Tuesday (April 27).

That area is contained by boundaries of the pathways of Spinney Lane to the North, Aylesham Road to the East, Holt Street to the South and Pond Lane to the West.

Officers will continue to conduct as many house-to-house enquiries as possible and many local residents in the Aylesham and Snowdown area can expect a visit from officers to allow them to discuss any concerns they may have as well as provide any information which could assist the investigation.

On Tuesday, one week after Julia was killed, officers conducted numerous road checks to speak to motorists in the area.

Between 12.30pm and 6.30pm a total of 449 vehicles were stopped and occupants spoken to.

ACC Richards added: "Inquiries continue at pace, as does our very visible presence in the Aylesham and Snowdown areas.

"Whilst we will not be telling people what they can and can’t do, we are urging people to be vigilant and to be aware of their surroundings. Work is still underway to establish the motive for Julia’s killing and we’re keen people stay and feel safe."

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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