COPS raided a traveller site after a newlywed police officer due to go on honeymoon next week was allegedly murdered while trying to stop a burglary.

Tragic PC Andrew Harper, 28, was struck by a vehicle and dragged along the road after he arrived on the scene at 11.30pm close to the A4 Bath Road, near Reading and Newbury last night.

33 'Murdered' PC Andrew Harper was married last month - and was due to go on his honeymoon next week Credit: Mark Lord Photography

33 The 28-year-old, pictured with wife Lissie, was killed at around 11.30pm last night while attending a reported burglary Credit: Mark Lord Photography

33 PC Harper, who was killed while responding to a burglary, had only been married for four weeks Credit: Instagram

33 Police seen tonight outside the entrance of the traveller camp near Burgfield Common Credit: PA:Press Association

33 PC Andrew Harper was allegedly murdered last night as he attended a reported burglary

33 Forensic officers at the scene today - Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was 'deeply shocked and appalled' by the officer's death Credit: Doug Seeburg - The Sun

The Times has reported he was dragged "several hundred metres" by a van - and then struck by a police car responding to the incident which was believed to be a dog unit involved in the pursuit.

A colleague of the fallen officer begged "stay with me, keep breathing" as he lay dying in a country lane, reports the Daily Mail.

A witness said: "When I came outside I could see one patrol car facing the A4 and the other facing in the other direction.

"The officer’s crewmate was shouting, saying 'Stay with me, stay with me. Keep breathing.' Those words will stay with me.

"He was crouched over the officer’s body, which was lying on the lane."

Last night a police van blocked off access to a caravan site as officers conducted door-to-door enquiries.

Ten people are being held in police custody on suspicion of murder including a 13-year-old boy. They were all arrested last night after PC Harper was killed.

Murder investigation launched after Thames Valley Police officer Andrew Harper died while attending a reported burglary in Berkshire

POLICE SEARCH

No entry was allowed at the permanent traveller site on Four Houses Corner site in Padworth Road, near Burghfield Common, Berks.

A witness said a helicopter and “loads of police cars” arrived before officers searched the site.

Tonight, six officers stood at the entrance to the caravan site, while tape blocked off entrances through a fence.

The site, which features more than a dozen caravans, was cordoned off with tape - and a cop car was seen inside.

A man who lives near the site said: “I was woken up last night by the sound of a helicopter, it was hovering until past 1am.

“The police are not letting anyone out of the site. They kept watch all night." Poignant wedding pictures show the newlywed officer and his bride Lissie Beckett who were married on July 18 at Ardington House, a Georgian manor in Oxfordshire, and were due to go on honeymoon next week.

33 No entry was allowed at the permanent traveller site on Four Houses Corner site in Berks

33 Earlier a police van blocked off access to the site as officers conducted door-to-door enquiries Credit: Google View

33 Officers have sealed off roads around the permanent travellers site

33 Ten people have been arrested on suspicion of murder and are currently in police custody at various police stations across the Thames Valley Credit: Doug Seeburg - The Sun

33 Police investigators today worked to piece together exactly what happened Credit: PA:Press Association

In one picture the couple, who got engaged in Italy in 2017, can be seen smiling as they cut their wedding cake with a sign next to them saying "happily ever Harper".

Just two days ago Lissie shared a picture of her beaming at her new husband writing: "Happiest day imaginable".

Pictures show the newlyweds gazing at each other as they started their new life together, with Lissie saying it was the "most magical day".

Describing Andrew as her "best friend", Lissie gushed: "I can't believe our wedding was almost two weeks ago, we have just had a sneaky peak of some of our photos from our amazing photographer.

"Thank you so much to everyone who came and who helped to make it the most perfect day."

His mother Deborah had shared a photograph of herself and her son on his wedding day, telling friends she was "so proud".

Paying tribute today PC Harper's gran Maureen Shrimpton said: "Our grandson Andrew was killed last night while doing his police work. So proud of him. Our love goes to his lovely wife, Mum and Dad, brother and all of his family and friends. Love from Nan and Bubba xxx"

His uncle Dale Shrimpton wrote on Facebook: "He's my oldest Nephew. My sister's first born. Mum and dads first grandson...and was married two weeks ago at a dream wedding. We are devastated.

"He was the loveliest person that you will ever meet. I can't begin to tell you how we feel."

PC Harper had signed up for a 20 mile, 200 obstacle race which he had hoped to complete in May next year to raise money for a children's cancer charity.

As Prime Minister Boris Johnson paid tribute to the brave copper, PC Harper's colleagues were quizzing 10 people - including a boy of 13 - on suspicion of murder.

PC Harper is the first policeman to be killed since PC Keith Palmer was stabbed to death during the Westminster terror attack in 2017.

33 PC Harper is the first officer to be killed on duty since March 2017, when unarmed Pc Keith Palmer was stabbed by Khalid Masood during the Westminster Bridge terror attack Credit: Facebook

33 A murder probe has been launched after the cop was killed late last night near the village of Sulhamstead, in Berkshire Credit: Facebook

33 PC Harper, 28, was based at Abingdon Police Station and worked in the Roads Policing Proactive Unit Credit: Facebook

33 PC Harper kisses his bride on their wedding day Credit: Facebook

33 PC Harper with his mum Deborah on his wedding day Credit: Facebook

Aerial pictures of the scene today showed one car having come off the road, with another one yards away surrounded by debris and skid marks.

Police were also seen searching the inside of a grey BMW that was at the scene. A police forensic tent was set up as specialists worked to piece together exactly what happened.

PC Harper, who joined the force as a special constable in 2010, worked for the Roads Policing Proactive Unit.

He was with another police officer when he was killed.

The 28-year-old was out of his vehicle when he was struck by a car and dragged under it.

PC Harper was killed at the crossroads of Ufton Lane and Lambdens Hill, near to Sulhamstead. It was just three miles from the home of Kate Middleton's parents, Carole and Michael.

33 The incident happened at a crossroads near the village of Sulhamstead in Berkshire Credit: Sky

33 Police remain at the scene of the incident where the cop was killed last night Credit: London News Pictures

33 The brave cop died after a 'serious incident' near the A4 Bath Road, between Reading and Newbury, last night Credit: PA:Press Association

33 A police forensic tent has set up as specialists work to piece together exactly what happened

Prime Minster Boris Johnson said he was "deeply shocked and appalled" by the death of the "brave" cop.

Mr Johnson added: "[This] 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."

The PM has pledged to recruit an extra 20,000 police officers over the next three years.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: "I'm devastated and appalled by the tragic death of PC Andrew Harper and my thoughts are with his loved ones, colleagues and the community he served with great pride at this immensely difficult time.

"PC Harper died in the line of duty protecting the public and his incredible bravery and extraordinary sacrifice will not be forgotten."

The cop's killing comes just a day after government figures revealed the number of Thames Valley officers being assaulted had risen by 33 per cent in the past year.

33 PC Harper was with another officer when he was killed last night

33 Forensic investigators could be seen gathering items that lay on the road and taking photographs Credit: PA:Press Association

33 Police investigators at the scene where a police officer was killed in Berkshire last night Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

33 Officers remained at the scene of the incident as forensic investigators took photographs of items on the road. Two white tents were also erected Credit: Getty Images - Getty

33 A forensics officer photographs evidence at the Berkshire scene Credit: Doug Seeburg - The Sun

33 Flowers being laid for the officer Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

33 Chief Constable John Campbell said Pc Harper was at the scene with a fellow officer and was out of his police car when the incident occurred Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

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."

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 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."

HOW COPS ARE FACING A TERRIFYING RISE IN ATTACKS COPS are facing violence on the UK's streets like never before. Twenty-eight bobbies are being injured on duty a day - with the number of violent assaults recorded rising by a third in just four years. The shock new figures revealed more than 10,300 assaults were recorded against officers in the UK in 2018. According to the latest Home Office data, this is up from 7,903 in 2015/2016 - a spike of 32 per cent. Met Police officers were recorded as the most reguarly attacked while on the beat, with 2,319 assaults causing injuries recorded last year. The West Midlands, Hampshire and Merseyside also recorded 524, 424 and 340 attacks respectively. Last week a hero cop was stabbed multiple times on the streets of East London before he managed to taser the 56-year-old suspect. Meanwhile in Scotland PC Alison Laughlan was punched by a thug 30 times as he yelled "I'm going to kill you" during a street brawl. In Birmingham a 42-year-old officer was dramatically run down with his own patrol car. And the number of recorded attacks are feared to be just scratching the surface. John Apter, the national chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “We believe these figures are just the tip of the iceberg."

Andy Fiddler, from Thames Valley Police Federation, said: "This is totally devastating news. All our thoughts - and the thoughts of the entire police family across the UK - are with the family, friends and close colleagues of PC Harper who died last night.

"Police officers go to work each and every day to do their duty. We are courageous, caring and compassionate. 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."

TVP Chief Constable John Campbell described PC Harper as a "highly regarded and popular member of the team and a significant loss to the force, his colleagues and friends".

'AN AMAZING FRIEND AND COLLEAGUE': TRIBUTES PAID TO PC HARPER Former colleagues and politicians paid tribute to PC Harper today. His former colleague Fred Swanborough said: "God bless, such a lovely bloke, had the pleasure of working alongside him for a short period last year.. Thank you for your service PC Harper, RIP." Melissa Todd added: "An amazing friend and colleague. My thoughts are with his family." John Apter, national chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: "The shocking news this morning from our colleagues at Thames Valley Police is simply devastating. "Every day police officers run towards the unknown, putting themselves in harm's way to do their duty and protect the public. Sadly, on awful occasions such as this they make the ultimate sacrifice. "When one of us falls the loss is felt by the entire police family." Former Scotland Yard Dept Supt Gerry Campbell said it was "terribly tragic news". Retired cop John Sutherland said: "Not sure I really have any words right now, other than maybe a line from an old Bruce Cockburn song: 'Each one lost is everyone's loss...' Though that loss is undoubtedly greatest those who knew him best and loved him most. Rest peacefully PC Andrew Harper. #OfficerDown" He added: "My thoughts and prayers are with PC Harper's family, friends & colleagues at such a sad time." Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he is "deeply shocked and appalled" by the death of the "brave" cop. Home Secretary Priti Patel added: "I'm devastated and appalled by the tragic death of Pc Andrew Harper and my thoughts are with his loved ones, colleagues and the community he served with great pride at this immensely difficult time. "PC Harper died in the line of duty protecting the public and his incredible bravery and extraordinary sacrifice will not be forgotten." Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he was "totally shocked" by the death of PC Harper. He said: "My immediate thoughts are condolences to his family and to his colleagues who must be going through some awful moments at the present time." Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson paid tribute to the "incredible bravery" of police officers, while Chancellor Sajid Javid said PC Harper's death was a "devastating loss".

He said the force's flags are flying at half mast as a sign of respect "in honour and memory of Andrew".

Anyone with information should call 101 or leave details on the Thames Valley Police website.

This is the latest shocking attack on a police officer in the UK.

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On Saturday a brave cop was mowed down by a maniac who stole his patrol car in Birmingham.

That came just days after Metropolitan police cop Stuart Outten, 28, was repeatedly knifed with a machete by a van driver in Leyton.

And two Merseyside police officers were left seriously injured after being assaulted on Tuesday.

33 The police scene after last night's shocking incident Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

33 Police tape outside the scene today Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

33 Officers closed the road while they investigated the scene Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

33 Officers remain at the scene of the incident, which is cordoned off while evidence is gathered Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

33 A wide shot of the scene in Berkshire today Credit: BBC

PC Andrew Harper murder - Thames Valley Chief Constable John Campbell gives update into investigation following death of police officer

OFFICERS KILLED WHILE ON DUTY Pc Andrew Harper joins a long list of colleagues killed in the line of duty. A National Police Memorial roll of honour in London lists all the officers who have been killed by criminal acts in the line of duty since 1680. Among them was unarmed Pc Keith Palmer, who was stabbed in March 2017 by Khalid Masood during the Westminster Bridge terror attack. Pc Gary Toms, 37, was critically injured confronting suspects in Leyton, east London, on April 11 2009. He died six days later when his life support machine was switched off - 25 years to the day after Pc Yvonne Fletcher was shot dead outside the Libyan embassy in London while controlling a crowd of demonstrators. Pc Fiona Bone, 32, and Pc Nicola Hughes, 23, were murdered by Dale Cregan in Greater Manchester in September 2012. Pc Ricky Grey was shot in the head by a gunman who then turned the weapon on himself in Shrewsbury in 2007, and Pc Sharon Beshenivsky was shot dead when she and a colleague tried to stop armed robbers in Bradford in November 2005. Another name on the roll is Pc Keith Blakelock, a 40-year-old father of three who was set on by a mob and hacked to death with a machete during the Broadwater Farm riots in 1985.

Pc Ian Broadhurst, 34, of West Yorkshire Police, was murdered by David Bieber, 38, in Leeds on Boxing Day 2003. Bieber also shot two of Pc Broadhurst's colleagues. Detective Constable Michael Swindells, 44, died after he was knifed in the stomach as he and colleagues conducted a search in Birmingham in May 2004. Detective Constable Stephen Oake died during a police raid on a flat in Crumpsall, Manchester, in January 2003. Pc Alison Armitage, 29, was run down by a stolen car in March 2001. She died during an undercover operation in Hollinwood, near Oldham, Greater Manchester. She was run over twice by a driver in a stolen vehicle in the car park of a derelict pub. In October 1997, Pc Nina Mackay was stabbed to death in a raid in Stratford, east London, by paranoid schizophrenic Magdi Elgizouli. Police officers also find themselves in danger when they are off duty. Father-of-two Pc Ian Dibell, 41, was off work with a hand injury when he was killed near his home in Clacton in July 2012.