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Police officers have been seen "running into woods" about three miles from where the body of murdered PCSO Julia James was found.
Witnesses have told how officers hurried into the trees at the top of Out Elmstead Lane in Barham, near Canterbury, at about 1.30pm.
A helicopter has also been seen circling overhead.
It comes just hours after detectives released an image of a man they believe holds crucial information about the murder of 53-year-old PCSO Julia, who was found dead on a remote track in Snowdown last Tuesday.
The photograph was taken the following day about a quarter-of-a-mile away in Spinney Lane, Aylesham.
That same image has today been shown to landowners in surrounding areas - including Barham and Kingston - as officers try to track the man.
One farmer approached by police told officers he may have spoken to the man in recent days, but cannot be sure.
Police say there are no ongoing incidents in Barham separate to the murder investigation, but reiterated that searches are ongoing in and around the area as part of the inquiry.
Assistant Chief Constable Tom Richards said at a press conference this afternoon that detectives think the man they are looking for has information "crucial to the investigation".
The senior officer said: "We have been able to release a photograph today of a man that I think is key to unlocking what happened to Julia.
"The man was in a very relevant location the following day and I have reason to think he has evidence or information which is crucial to the investigation.
"We now have more than 1,000 pieces of information provided to us by the public.
"Many names have featured in the inquiry, but this individual is a big frustration to the investigation because we don't know he is.
"Somebody knows who that man is. We desperately need you to make contact with us.
"It's vital that we speak to that individual."
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.
Police have confirmed the picture of the man they are searching for was taken the following day, but have not disclosed who took it or when it was received by police.
They will only say the man likely has information which is key to unlocking the case.
ACC Richards said earlier today: "Perhaps he lives near you, perhaps you work with him or perhaps he visits your local shop to buy food.
"We have a large team of specialist detectives working on this case but there is someone somewhere who knows this man in the picture, or who knows something about the day Julia died.
"I urge them to do the right thing and get in touch. We will handle your call with the utmost confidence and sensitivity."
Anyone who recognises the man in the photo is urged to contact police on 0800 0514 526.
To get the latest updates in ongoing cases, police appeals and criminals put behind bars, click here
