Charge dropped over killing of Pc Harper

A man accused of the murder of Pc Andrew Harper had the charge against him dropped yesterday.

Jed Foster, 20, was arrested and charged last month. Prosecutors at the Old Bailey said there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction.

Pc Harper, 28, was killed on Aug 15, four weeks after his wedding, when he was dragged under a van while responding to reports of a burglary near Sulhamstead, Berkshire.

Henry Long, 18, of Reading, and two 17-year-old boys who cannot be named because of their ages, appeared yesterday charged with the murder. They were remanded in custody to appear again on Dec 13.