Live updates: Police officer PC Andrew Harper 'murdered' near Reading responding to burglary

A murder probe has been launched after a Thames Valley Police officer was killed in the line of duty last night. 

Tributes have poured in for roads policing officer PC Andrew Harper, who died after attending a reported burglary on the A4 Bath Road, between Reading and Newbury on Thursday night. 

Ten people have been arrested in connection with his death. 

PC Harper was part of the Roads Policing Proactive Unit based at Abingdon Police Station. 

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.”

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Blaik, of the Thames Valley Police Major Crime Unit, said: “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 ten 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."

 

The Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner Anthony Stansfeld has offered his "deepest condolences" to PC Harper's family, friends and colleagues. 

He said: "This is a tragic loss for the force and I know that Thames Valley Police are doing all they can to support those who have been affected."