Man charged with murdering veterinary practice receptionist

Florin Ion, 31 has been charged with the murder of Vets4Pets Thurrock receptionist Julie Hunt.

Hunt was on her way to work on the morning of 20 April when she died in what was described by police as an “awful attack”.

Ion, the man charged with her murder comes from Ipswich Crescent in Birmingham, over 140 miles away from the scene of the crime.

A Vets4Pets spokesman said: “Julie was a popular and well-respected member of our practice team. Our thoughts are with her family at this very difficult time.”

Police still want to speak with six drivers who may prove to be key witnesses following the attack.

The Vets4Pets website portrays Hunt as a kind and helpful employee where she says she enjoys “meeting and greeting clients and their pets, and hopefully help make them feel at ease when they visit us.”