A murder investigation has been launched after a Thames Valley
police officer died following an incident in Berkshire.
PC Andrew Harper, from the force’s Roads and Policing Proactive Unit, based at Abingdon Police Station, was killed as he attended a reported burglary. The incident occurred at around 11.30pm on Thursday night near to the A4, Bath Road, between Reading and Newbury. It happened at the crossroads of Ufton Lane and Lambdens Hill, near to Sulhamstead.
Ten arrests have been made in connection with the incident. All those arrested are male and aged between 13 and 30. BREAKING: 10 people arrested & in custody after a police officer killed while on duty attending a reported burglary. @Thamesvp have launched a murder investigation into the death of PC Andrew Harper. Officers still on the scene near Sulhamstead in Berkshire pic.twitter.com/SQlOv6utwF— Charlotte Briere (@ITVCharlotte) August 16, 2019Deputy 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.”
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 Andrew Harper who died last night.Absolutely horrific news, my thoughts are with PC Andrew Harper's loved ones and the whole police family at this terrible time.Althought it won't bring him back, I hope the culprit is swiftly brought to justice. https://t.co/CQO7CG1PwL— Louise Haigh MP (@LouHaigh) August 16, 2019My thoughts are with the family of PC Andrew Harper who was killed in the line of duty last night. https://t.co/YbvYCMBOrJ— Priti Patel MP (@patel4witham) August 16, 2019“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.”
A scene watch remains in place at the scene of the incident and Ufton Lane and Lambdens Hill remain closed.
The A4, Bath Road has since re-opened.Related... New Details Emerge Of 'Devoted Father' Stabbed To Death In Newcastle Man Guilty Of Murdering Ashley Ellerin The Night She Was Due To Meet Ashton Kutcher For A Date