“As a force we are devastated at the loss of our colleague.”
That was the message from Deputy Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police following the death of a newly-married police officer who died after attending a reported burglary.
PC Andrew Harper, from the Roads Policing Proactive Unit based at Abingdon Police Station, was killed close to the crossroads of Ufton Lane and Lambdens Hill, near to Sulhamstead, around 11.30pm last night.
Thames Valley Police have a scene watch remains in place at the scene of the incident and Ufton Lane and Lambdens Hill remain closed. The A4 Bath Road between Reading and Newbury has since re-opened.
Ten people have been arrested on suspicion of murder and are currently in police custody at various police stations across the Thames Valley.
In a statement, 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.”
And Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Blaik, of the Thames Valley Police Major Crime Unit, added: “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.
“We have made a total of 10 arrests in connection with this incident, and those arrested are currently in police custody. Those arrested are all male and aged between 13 and 30.
“I would appeal to anyone who witnessed this incident to get in touch. If you have any information which you think could be at all relevant to our investigation, no matter how insignificant it may seem, please leave details on our website at https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/ or call 101.”
