PC hailed as hero as family and public prepare to pay respects

Police officer Andrew Harper, who died while responding to reports of a burglary, has been described as a “hero” ahead of his funeral.

The 28-year-old newlywed, from Thames Valley Police, was killed on August 15 near Sulhamstead in Berkshire.

He died from multiple injuries after being dragged under a van.

More than 800 people are expected to attend his funeral at Christ Church Cathedral on St Aldate’s, Oxford, this morning.

Thames Valley Police said while it is a private funeral, the public can “pay their respects along the processional route”.

Craig O’leary, chairman of Thames Valley Police Federation, said PC Harper was a “hero”, who was loved by his family, friends and colleagues.

PC Harper’s family has asked for any donations to be made to the Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital on Aston Road, Haddenham, or the Blue Cross rehoming centre on London Road, Lewknor.

Meanwhile, thousands of people have signed up to take part in a “ride of respect” in PC Harper’s memory on October 27.

Henry Long, 18, from Mortimer in Reading, and two 17-year-old boys, who cannot be named because of their age, have been charged with murder and conspiracy to steal a quad bike.

Thomas King, 21, from Basingstoke, is also accused of conspiracy to steal a quad bike.

Jed Foster, 20, was also accused of PC Harper’s murder, but prosecutors dropped the charges against him as there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction.