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PC Andrew Harper: Family tribute to 'hero' officer | PC Andrew Harper: Family tribute to 'hero' officer |
(about 2 hours later) | |
The family of a police officer killed while investigating a burglary have paid tribute to him as forces across the country held a minute's silence. | |
PC Andrew Harper, 28, died after he was dragged along the road by a vehicle in Sulhamstead, Berkshire, on 15 August. | PC Andrew Harper, 28, died after he was dragged along the road by a vehicle in Sulhamstead, Berkshire, on 15 August. |
Thames Valley Police led the silence, which was observed by forces across the country, at 11:00 BST. | |
PC Harper's mother Debbie said she was moved by the "outpouring of love" since her son's death. | |
"We are devastated and bereft but as Andrew always lived, with dignity, honour and calmness we intend to grieve in this way," she said. | |
"A big part of me has gone with you, I cannot imagine our lives going forward but we will do so with Andrew in our hearts." | "A big part of me has gone with you, I cannot imagine our lives going forward but we will do so with Andrew in our hearts." |
More than 100 officers and staff fell silent at the Thames Valley Police training centre in Sulhamstead, where flowers had been laid in the grounds. | |
PC Harper's family and friends stood in remembrance, placing a sunflower and a bouquet among the tributes. A police officer blew a whistle to mark the start of the silence. | |
Chief Constable John Campbell said the occasion was "not a memorial service", but a "time for gathering, a time for pause and a time to reflect". | |
He called PC Harper, who grew up in Wallingford, Oxfordshire, a "dearly loved and respected colleague, friend and proud police officer". | |
Force chaplain Helen Arnold led the remembrance service, praying for "family and close friends, for whom Andrew's death left such emptiness". | |
"This police family to which he belonged will not forget him," she said. | |
PC Harper, who got married four weeks before his death, was killed on the A4 Bath Road. | |
The roads policing officer, who became a regular officer in 2011 after joining as a special constable a year earlier, had attended a reported break-in with a fellow constable at about 23:30 BST. | The roads policing officer, who became a regular officer in 2011 after joining as a special constable a year earlier, had attended a reported break-in with a fellow constable at about 23:30 BST. |
A post-mortem examination concluded that he died of multiple injuries. | A post-mortem examination concluded that he died of multiple injuries. |
Forces in Hampshire, Leicestershire and Kent announced colleagues would join Thames Valley and fall silent to remember PC Harper. | |
Members of South Central Ambulance Service and Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue service also took part. | |
A fundraising page set up by the Thames Valley Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers, had raised more than £260,000 for his family. | A fundraising page set up by the Thames Valley Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers, had raised more than £260,000 for his family. |
PC Harper's father, Phil, described his son as a "hero, if not a superhero". | PC Harper's father, Phil, described his son as a "hero, if not a superhero". |
"Although Andrew was the strongest man we knew, he was also a big softy with a huge heart," he added. | "Although Andrew was the strongest man we knew, he was also a big softy with a huge heart," he added. |
"Rest in peace my son, you have made us so proud of you and we will always love and miss you." | "Rest in peace my son, you have made us so proud of you and we will always love and miss you." |
PC Harper's brother Sean and sister Aimee said their brother was the "funniest, bravest, most compassionate person" and was a "protector at heart". | PC Harper's brother Sean and sister Aimee said their brother was the "funniest, bravest, most compassionate person" and was a "protector at heart". |
PC Harper's wife Lissie, said her husband was the "kindest, loveliest, most selfless person you will ever meet". | PC Harper's wife Lissie, said her husband was the "kindest, loveliest, most selfless person you will ever meet". |
Jed Foster, 20, who has been charged with murdering PC Harper, has been remanded in custody ahead of a potential trial next January. |
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