I stand with all brave officers

ANDREW Harper was a hero. He epitomised the bravery and sacrifice that make our police the best in the world. It was absolutely devastating that his life was so cruelly cut short. To see a brave officer, newly married with his whole life ahead of him, killed trying to keep his community safe, evoked anger and grief from the whole nation.

The pain and anguish this terrible crime inflicted on PC Harper’s widow Lissie is unimaginable. No wife should see her husband off to work, only for him not to return.

My thoughts remain with Mrs Harper, his loved ones, colleagues and the community he served with great pride, who feel his loss as deeply now as they did then.

I had been Home Secretary for less than a month at the time of PC Harper’s death. One of my first and saddest visits was to Thames Valley Police to meet those he served alongside. Their courage and professionalism stays with me to this day.

All too soon after this I was visiting the force again, this time following a senseless act of terrorism which left three people dead. That day again officers demonstrated extraordinary bravery, running towards danger to prevent more people losing their lives.

It’s a reminder that all of our dedicated police officers go to work every day to serve their communities, not knowing what they might face, putting themselves in harm’s way to protect us.

As Home Secretary I remain committed to doing everything in my power to support them, giving them tools and resources they need to keep themselves, and us, safe.

During the pandemic we have seen a disgraceful increase in officers being assaulted. It is appalling that at a time when they are putting themselves at risk, helping to stop the spread of coronavirus and save lives, they face being attacked and spat at. I met some of these officers and heard first-hand about the violence they encountered in recent months.

I was shocked to hear some of their experiences – one officer told me about being stabbed in the stomach while on duty and how impacted he was by his family being unable to visit him in hospital as he recovered, due to the virus.

But they continue to go back out there day after day, selflessly putting the safety of all of us before their own.

Let me be clear – those cowards who attack our police and emergency services have no place on our streets.

I stand with all our brave officers and the families who support them, they are the best of all of us.

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