Reading RRT supports Thames Valley Police after police officer is killed on duty

On Saturday 17th August, the RRT team from Reading provided breakfast to the Thames Valley Police who were dealing with an ongoing investigation. The incident tragically involved the death of one of their officers, PC Andrew Harper, who was killed on duty. 

PC Harper, 28, who was married just four weeks before his death, was responding to a burglary report in Sulhamstead, Berkshire. Forensics officers could be seen combing the area as police widened the cordon around the scene. A 20-year-old man has since been charged with PC Harper’s murder.

Chief Constable John Campbell said the death of PC Harper had left the entire force “shocked and saddened”. Mr Campbell said PC Harper was a “highly regarded, popular member of the team”, adding: 

“Everybody I’ve spoken to about Andrew talked about the incredible personality he was, what a fantastic police officer, and what a great friend and man he was, and he’ll be sorely missed by everybody.

My thanks go to all those staff and officers who attended this incident, as well as our colleagues at the fire service and also the ambulance service for their professionalism and support at what you can imagine was obviously a distressing scene.”

PC Harper’s colleagues have been laying floral tributes at the scene, with one message describing the officer as “Thames Valley’s finest”.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to PC Harper’s family and everyone affected by this tragedy.