Three teenagers are among four arrested over officer’s death

Three teenagers are among four people arrested by police on suspicion of murdering newlymarried police officer Andrew Harper following the emergence of new evidence, detectives said.

Thames Valley Police said they re-arrested two 17-year-old boys and an 18-year-old man from the Reading area, and had also arrested a 21-year-old man from the Basingstoke area.

All four are currently in police custody on suspicion of murder and theft, a force spokesman said, after a series of arrest warrants were carried out by more than 100 officers across Berkshire and Hampshire yesterday morning.

Detective Superintendent Ailsa Kent said: “We are continuing to investigate the death of our colleague PC Andrew Harper, and today we have re-arrested three people in connection with this.

“In addition to these re-arrests, we have also arrested a further suspect, a 21-year-old man from Basingstoke.

“All four have been arrested on suspicion of murder and theft and are in our custody.

“This follows new evidence coming to light as the investigation has progressed in recent weeks.

“Members of the public might see an increased police presence at the locations of these warrants today. We appreciate the public’s patience and support while we progress these critical lines of inquiry.

“This is an ongoing, complex investigation, and we remain committed to achieving justice for PC Harper, his family, friends and colleagues.

“I would also like to reiterate our appeal for anyone who knows anything about this incident to come forward and talk to police, if you have not already done so.

“Anyone with any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, should call the Thames Valley Police non-emergency number on 101.”

PC Harper, 28, was killed on August 15 near the village of Sulhamstead in Berkshire while responding to reports of a burglary.

He died from multiple injuries after being dragged under a vehicle and was then possibly hit by a police car.

PC Harper had been married to Lissie for just four weeks when he died.

Another man, 20-year-old Jed Foster, has already appeared in court having been charged with murder. He was remanded in custody.

Picture: Thames Valley Police. PC Harper was killed in August four weeks after his wedding.