Shropshire Star

Police given another 24 hours to question suspects in murder of Pc Andrew Harper

The 28-year-old newlywed officer was killed as he responded to a burglary in Berkshire on August 15.

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Floral tributes to Pc Andrew Harper

Police have been given another 24 hours to question 10 men and boys over the murder of an officer.

Newlywed Andrew Harper was killed while responding to reports of a burglary in the Berkshire village of Bradfield Southend at around 11.30pm on August 15.

The 28-year-old constable died from multiple injuries after being dragged under a vehicle and possibly hit by a police car.

On Monday, Thames Valley Police said investigators had been granted another 24 hours from Sunday night to question 10 suspects over Pc Harper’s death.

The group, males aged between 13 and 30, were all arrested at a caravan park within an hour of the incident.

Donations have poured in to support Pc Harper’s bereaved family, with a Just Giving appeal by fellow officers reaching six figures within the first day.

The fundraising page set up by Thames Valley Police Federation to support the officer’s widow, Lissie, and his family broke the £100,000 mark on Sunday night with donations continuing to pour in.

Police officer killed in Sulhamstead
Officers pay their respects in front of tributes left in Sulhamstead, Berkshire, where Thames Valley Police colleague Andrew Harper died (Yui Mok/PA)

It reads: “We confront danger on a daily basis. We know there is a risk when we put on the uniform but we do so as we are proud to protect the public.

“Sadly, on very rare and horrendous occasions, a colleague makes the ultimate sacrifice. We will ensure that heroism is never forgotten.”

Flowers have been laid at the scene where the young constable lost his life.

One tribute reads: “A great cop, a great man, a great friend. There will always be a part of my heart missing now.”

Another officer who is facing life-changing injuries after he was run over by a suspected car thief also sent thoughts and prayers to Mr Harper’s family.

Injured police officer Gareth Phillips
Pc Gareth Phillips in hospital with his dog Diesel (West Midlands Police/PA)

Pc Gareth Phillips, from West Midlands Police, has undergone surgery for his injuries and remains seriously ill after suffering a shattered pelvis during a traffic stop in Birmingham on August 10.

Superintendent Dave Twyford from the force said:  “While it’s great to see Gaz slowly improving, his thoughts and prayers, and those of everyone in the wider policing family, are with the family and friends of Pc Andrew Harper of Thames Valley Police, who was killed in the line of duty last week.”

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