Julia James’s dog has taken part in a police reconstruction near to where his owner was found dead last month.

The pet Jack Russell was walked by an actress to recreate the route the police community support officer (PCSO) took on the day she died, and to encourage any remaining witnesses to come forward.

Toby was found unharmed close to the scene where Ms James‘s body was found last month, after the 53-year-old had taken him on a walk near her home in Snowdown, Kent, on 27 April.

Police believe there are people who were in the area on the day who they would like to speak to.

The reconstruction came as a 21-year-old man appeared in court charged with Ms James’ murder.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Assistant Chief Constable Tom Richards said: “Today on the two-week anniversary of Julia’s death we will be conducting, with an actress and Julia’s Jack Russell dog Toby, a reconstruction.

“Once again I appeal to anybody who is seeing this footage today who remembers anything at all that could be of assistance to the investigation to help us piece together those last vital pieces.”

An actress wearing identical clothes to those Ms James was wearing when she was last seen – a light blue waterproof coat, blue jeans and dark boots – set off from the hamlet of Snowdown with Toby on a lead.

She took the same route Ms James is believed to have taken in the moments before her death.

Mr Richards said: “That is her typical daily walk with Toby around the perimeter of that field.

“And finally, you will see her concluding her walk around the field and entering the woodland where sadly she was found shortly after four o’clock, two weeks ago today.”

Ms James’s family are taking care of Toby at the moment.

Callum Wheeler, from Aylesham, appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday after being charged with the PCSO’s murder on Monday.

The 21-year-old – who was arrested on Friday, more than a week after Ms James’s death – spoke only to confirm his name and address.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday.

Related posts:

‘This needs to stop’: UK smartphone owners are due £480m payout, claims Which? One anti-HS2 protester left in Euston tunnels after Swampy leaves Police attacked at scene of suspected shooting and stabbing in Brixton Cancellations, refunds and quarantines: What to do if you have a holiday to Portugal booked Leeds is Kalvin Phillips Land and locals are ‘incredibly proud’ of their homegrown football star Man charged with murder after 60-year-old fatally stabbed at Oxford Circus Masks, social distancing and working from home – how much freer will we be on ‘Freedom Day’? Fuel crisis may last another ‘week or so’, says minister – a day after one said it was ‘under control’ BBC presenter injured while playing ‘crash test dummy’ for TV show awarded £1.6m damages Protesters carry cardboard coffins on march against smart motorways World leaders setting out major deforestation and methane pledges with 2030 target dates Motorist aimed gun at police parliamentary protection officer after London car chase