Police investigating death of PC Andrew Harper make four arrests

17 September 2019, 09:00

PC Andrew Harper was murdered in August
PC Andrew Harper was murdered in August. Picture: PA

By Asher McShane

Detectives investigating the death of PC Andrew Harper in Berkshire have made four arrests.

They include three teenagers, one aged 18 and two aged 17, from Reading who were initially arrested the day after PC Harper's death.

Police also arrested a 21-year-old for the first time on suspicion of murder and theft.

Jed Foster, 20, has already been charged with the officer's murder last month.

The latest round of arrests were made after 200 officers carried out raids across Berkshire in the wake of new evidence emerging in recent weeks.

PC Harper died from "multiple injuries" after being dragged by a car while responding to reports of a burglary on 15 August near Sulhamstead in Berkshire.

He had only been married for four weeks at the time of his death.

PC Harper had got married just four weeks before his death
PC Harper had got married just four weeks before his death. Picture: Thames Valley Police

Detective superintendent Ailsa Kent said: "The cause of death is consistent with our current belief that Andrew was caught between a vehicle and the road and then dragged for a distance."

Police have issued a plea for anyone who may have information to come forward.

DSI Kent added “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.

PC Harper pictured with wife Lissie just four weeks before his death
PC Harper pictured with wife Lissie just four weeks before his death. Picture: PA
Officers pay their respect to their colleague at the scene of the crime in Berkshire
Officers pay their respect to their colleague at the scene of the crime in Berkshire. Picture: PA

“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 enquiry.

“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.”

If you would like to make a report anonymously, you can do so online or by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

This story is being updated