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Police Officer 'Murdered' During Burglary Investigation Was Newlywed

Police Officer 'Murdered' During Burglary Investigation Was Newlywed

PC Andrew Harper died while on duty last night

Dominic Smithers

Dominic Smithers

The police officer who was killed while investigating a reported burglary last night was a newlywed who tied the knot just weeks ago.

PC Andrew Harper died at around 11.30pm last night after responding to a reported break-in close to the A4 Bath Road, near Reading and Newbury.

It has now emerged the 28-year-old had married his partner just weeks before his death.

PC Andrew Harper died just two weeks after getting married.
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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."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also paid tribute to PC Harper, saying: "I am deeply shocked and appalled by the death of a brave officer on duty in Thames Valley last night. 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."

Thames Valley Police confirmed that 10 people, all male and aged between 13 and 30, had been arrested on suspicion of murder.

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."

Featured Image Credit: Facebook

Topics: UK News, Interesting, crime