Police Officer Killed During Burglary Investigation In Berkshire

A police officer died while attending reports of a burglary last night, police have confirmed.

PC Andrew Harper was killed at about 11.30pm on Thursday, close to the A4 Bath Road near Sulhamstead, in Berkshire.

The incident happened at the crossroads of Ufton Lane and Lambdens Hill. The A4 has now been reopened but Ufton Lane and Lambdens Hill remain closed.

Thames Valley Police confirmed they had opened an investigation into the officer's death and that 10 people, all male and aged between 13 and 30, had been arrested on suspicion of murder.

PC Harper was from the Roads Policing Proactive Unit based at Abingdon Police Station.

Deputy Chief Constable Jason Hogg offered his sympathies to his family.

He 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."

Matthew Barber, the deputy Police and Crime Commissioner at Thames Valley wrote on Twitter: "The shocking murder of PC Andrew Harper is a tragedy that will appal the public across the country.

"Thoughts and prayers for his family, friends and colleagues.

"A reminder of the bravery of all our police officers and the risks they bear every day to protect the public."

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Blaik, of the Thames Valley Police Major Crime Unit, confirmed an investigation was underway and urged anyone with information to come forward.

He 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.

"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 at https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/ or call 101."