A teenager has pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter of PC Andrew Harper, as a 21-year-old man admitted plotting to steal a quad bike before the officer’s death.

The 28-year-old Thames Valley Police officer was killed on 15 August near the village of Sulhamstead in Berkshire.

He died from multiple injuries after being dragged under a van, four weeks after his wedding.

Three people charged over PC Harper’s death appeared at the Old Bailey via video link from custody on Friday.

Henry Long, 18, and two 17-year-old boys, who cannot be named, are charged with the policeman’s murder, an alternative of manslaughter and conspiracy to steal a quad bike.

One of the 17-year-olds, wearing a grey tracksuit and large crucifix, entered not guilty pleas to manslaughter and conspiracy to steal.

He was not asked to enter pleas to the further charge of murder.

A further plea hearing for Long, from Mortimer in Reading, and the other 17-year-old was fixed for 7 January.

Meanwhile, a fourth defendant, Thomas King, is accused of conspiracy to steal a quad bike.

King appeared in the dock at the Old Bailey where he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal on or before 15 August.

The 21-year-old defendant from Basingstoke was granted bail until his sentencing at the conclusion of the trial of the other defendants.

A six-week trial has been fixed at the Old Bailey to start on 9 March.

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