PC Andrew Harper, 28, pictured with his wife Lissie who he only married four weeks ago

Murdered Thames Valley Police officer PC Andrew Harper was dragged to his death by a car in Berkshire, it was revealed this afternoon.

PC Harper, 28, had only married four weeks ago before he died last night at 11.30pm on the A4 Bath Road between Reading and Newbury.

It was revealed this afternoon by Chief Constable John Campbell that he had only got married four weeks ago and was due to go on honeymoon this afternoon.

He was described as a highly regarded, popular member of his team who dealt with a challenging number of environments and his death was a significant loss to his police force after he died in front of one of his colleagues.




This morning Thames Valley Police confirmed that he was part of a road unit and was responding to an incident at the crossroads of Ufton Lane and Lambdens Hill near Sulhampstead. Ten people were arrested for murder, including a boy who is just 13.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned the killing this morning saying: ‘I am deeply shocked and appalled by the death of a brave officer on duty in Thames Valley last night.

PC Andrew Harper was newly married and was due to go on his honeymoon next week (Picture: Mark Lord Photography)

Police were also seen searching the inside of a grey BMW that was at the scene, according to witnesses (Picture: PA)

‘My thoughts are with Pc Harper’s family, friends and colleagues at this terrible time.

‘It is the most powerful reminder that police officers up and down the country put themselves at risk every single day to keep us safe. They have my absolute support.’

Detectives and forensics experts are at the scene close to the Winning Hand pub and a garden centre this morning.

The 10 people who were arrested are being questioned at stations throughout the Thames Valley Police area.

Deputy Chief Constable Jason Hogg said: ‘Our deepest thoughts at this time are of course with Andrew’s friends and family, who are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

Tributes have been paid to PC Harper throughout the day across the country (Picture: Mark Lord Photography)

PC Harper’s colleagues are being supported following his death in Berkshire (Picture: PA)

Forensics officers put up two tents at the scene of PC Harper’s murder (Picture: SWNS)

‘Our thoughts also extend to all of Andrew’s colleagues within Thames Valley Police.

‘As a force we are devastated at the loss of our colleague and will all be supporting each other at this difficult time.’

Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Blaik said: ‘This is a tragic incident, and I would like to reassure the public as well as our officers and staff that we have launched a full and thorough investigation to establish what has happened.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

An investigator at the scene where there was a long trail of blood (Picture: PA)

Investigations are continuing throughout today into the police officer’s murder (Picture: PA)

‘We have made a total of ten arrests in connection with this incident, and those arrested are currently in police custody. Those arrested are all male and aged between 13 and 30.’

Police were also seen searching the inside of a grey BMW that was at the scene, according to witnesses.

Pictures of the scene show a blood trail on the road leading across the junction.

Ufton Lane and Lambdens Hill remain closed but the A4, Bath Road, has reopened, police said.

The incident comes after a police constable was run over by a suspected car thief in Birmingham last week.

The married 42-year-old traffic officer from West Midlands Police is facing ‘potentially life-changing’ injuries, a senior officer said.

Boris Johnson this morning condemned the murder of the police officer (Picture: PA)

Map showing where PC Harper was murdered

This came just days after Metropolitan Police constable Stuart Outten, 28, was left with head and hand injuries after challenging a motor offences suspect allegedly armed with a machete in Leyton, east London.



Andy Fiddler, from Thames Valley Police Federation, said the death of Pc Harper was ‘totally devastating’, adding: ‘All our thoughts – and the thoughts of the entire police family across the UK – are with the family, friends and close colleagues of Pc Andrew Harper who died last night.’

Deputy Chief Constable Jason Hogg said: ‘Our deepest thoughts at this time are of course with Andrew’s friends and family, who are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers.

‘Our thoughts also extend to all of Andrew’s colleagues within Thames Valley Police.

‘As a force we are devastated at the loss of our colleague and will all be supporting each other at this difficult time.’

Forensics teams work near equipment left behind by those who tried to save PC Harper (Picture: PA)

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Blaik, of the Thames Valley Police Major Crime Unit, said: ‘This is a tragic incident, and I would like to reassure the public as well as our officers and staff that we have launched a full and thorough investigation to establish what has happened.

‘We have made a total of 10 arrests in connection with this incident, and those arrested are currently in police custody. Those arrested are all male and aged between 13 and 30.

‘I would appeal to anyone who witnessed this incident to get in touch. If you have any information which you think could be at all relevant to our investigation, no matter how insignificant it may seem, please leave details on our website or call 101.’

Got a story for Metro.co.uk? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk. For more stories like this, check our news page.