Friday, 29 Mar 2024

PC Harper murder: What happened to newlywed PC in Berkshire? The tragic details so far

The 28-year-old died around 11.30pm BST at the crossroads of Ufton Lane and Lambdens Hill, near to Sulhamstead. Thames Valley Police said 10 males, aged between 13 and 30, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody at various stations. Thames Valley Police Chief Constable John Campbell said the death of PC Harper had left the entire force “shocked and saddened”.

What happened to PC Harper?

The events of the horrific evening are still being pieced together.

In a press conference on Friday, Chief Constable Campbell said a postmortem was currently underway and the cause of death had not yet been established.

However, he said: “What we do know is that, at some point, Andrew had been dragged along by a vehicle.”

He also confirmed the PC was out of his police vehicle at the time, but are unsure why.

PC Harper had a crewmate with him on the call, he said.

Thanking police, fire and ambulance service who attended for their professionalism, he said it was “an extremely distressing scene.”

Chief Constable Campbell said PC Harper, from the roads policing proactive unit based at Abingdon police station, in Oxfordshire, was a “highly regarded, popular member of the team,” adding “it’s felt very personally”.

He said it was a “terrible day” for the police force, but added: “It doesn’t touch the loss that Andrew’s friends and families are feeling.”

He confirmed that PC Harper got married just four weeks ago.

He was due to go on his honeymoon next week.

PC Harper’s uncle, Dale Shrimpton, posted on Facebook that he was “the loveliest person that you will ever meet,” adding: “I can’t begin to tell you how we feel.”

His grandmother, Maureen Shrimpton, said she was “so proud of him” and that it was “a really horrible day”.

Thames Valley deputy chief constable, 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 was “deeply shocked and appalled” by the death of the “brave” police officer.

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