FOUR years have passed since an officer was tragically killed after responding to a burglary report in Berkshire.
PC Andrew Harper, who was based at Abingdon Police Station, died from multiple fatal injuries when he was dragged along by a vehicle on the A4 Bath Road in Berkshire on August 15, 2019, at the age of 28.
On the anniversary of his death, Thames Valley Police released a tribute to the officer on their Facebook page.
READ MORE: Neighbours 'street fight' with vacuum pole and fire extinguisher
It read: “On 15 August 2019, PC Andrew Harper attended reports of a burglary and later tragically died as a result of multiple fatal injuries caused when he was dragged along by a vehicle on the A4 Bath Road in Berkshire.
“Rest in Peace PC Harper. Police Roll of Honour Trust.”
Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber, also shared a post in memory of PC Harper.
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service released a tribute reading: “On the anniversary of PC Andrew Harper's passing, our thoughts are with Andrew's family, friends and everyone at Thames Valley Police.”
Others have been quick to pay their respects to PC Harper’s family and friends, with many sharing blue hearts in honour of the police officer.
Four years ago, Harper and a colleague, Andrew Shaw, were responding to a report of a burglary-in-progress of a quad bike from a property near Standford Dingley.
READ MORE: Burglar breaks into vulnerable adult's bedroom after breaking into cars
At about 11.28pm, they happened upon a SEAT Toledo towing the stolen quad bike. Harper ran towards the suspect's vehicle and in doing so, became caught in a strap being used to tow the bike.
Harper was dragged behind a car for a mile, causing his death. He was sadly pronounced deceased at 11.45pm.
On September 18, 2019, Henry Long, who was 18, Albert Bowers, who was 17, and Jessie Cole, who was also 17, were charged with murder.
In July of the following year, the three teenage males were acquitted murder and instead found guilty of manslaughter. Long was jailed for 16 years and Bowers and Coles for 13 years.
A month later, PC Harper’s widow, Lissie – whom he lived with in Wallingford, launched a campaign for a new law – Harper’s Law – which would require life imprisonment for criminals whose actions result in the death of any emergency worker.
READ MORE: In the Dock: Man caught with knife at airport, accessing security doors
Harper’s Law became a bill on November 24, 2021. However, it did not affect the sentences of the men already sentenced for the death of PC Harper.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article