Man Charged After Police Officer Killed In Berkshire While Responding To A Reported Burglary

16 August 2019, 12:03 | Updated: 19 August 2019, 20:34

A 20-year-old man has been charged with murder and theft of a quad bike following the death of PC Andrew Harper in Berkshire.

Police confirmed that Jed Foster from Reading has been charged with murder in relation to the death of PC Andrew Harper and also theft of a quad bike on Thursday 15 August 2019 in Berkshire and will appear at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 20 August 2019 at 10am.

Chief Crown Prosecutor Jaswant Narwal, said: “We will offer to meet with PC Harper’s family to explain the basis of the decision we have made following a lengthy review of the evidence available.”

Nine other people who were arrested at the same time as Mr Foster have been released on bail until 13 September.

It has been confirmed that PC Andrew Harper was 28 years old and got married just four weeks ago.

He was responding to a reported burglary in Berkshire. He died after an incident near the A4 between Reading and Newbury at around 11:30PM.

Deputy Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police Jason Hogg said: “Our deepest thoughts at this time are of course with Andrew’s friends and family, who are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers."

“Our thoughts also extend to all of Andrew’s colleagues within Thames Valley Police."

“As a force we are devastated at the loss of our colleague and will all be supporting each other at this difficult time.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he is "deeply shocked and appalled" by PC Harper's death.

"My thoughts are with PC Harper's family, friends and colleagues at this terrible time," he said.

Home Secretary Priti Patel commented that her "thoughts are with the family of PC Andrew Harper".

Jeremy Corbyn has also stated on his Twitter that "for a police officer to be killed doing his duty is appalling. Whoever is responsible must be brought to justice."

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Blaik, of the Thames Valley Police Major Crime Unit, said, “this is a tragic incident, and I would like to reassure the public as well as our officers and staff that we have launched a full and thorough investigation to establish what has happened."

More to follow...