Andrew Harper murder: Three teenagers charged with killing police officer

New charges bring total number of murder suspects to four

Three teenagers have been charged with the murder of a police officer who was dragged under a vehicle while responding to a burglary.

Henry Long, 18, and two 17-year-old boys who cannot be named for legal reasons are accused of murdering PC Andrew Harper.

The teenagers, who remain in custody, have also been charged with conspiracy to steal a quad bike on 15 August.

The three suspects are due to appear at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

The charges bring the total number of murder suspects in the case to four, following the prosecution of 20-year-old Jed Foster, who denies involvement in PC Harper’s death.

Chief Crown Prosecutor Jaswant Narwal said Thames Valley Police had also been authorised to charge Thomas King, 21, with conspiracy to steal a quad bike.

“May I remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against these four defendants are now active and that they have a right to a fair trial,” she added. “It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.“

PC Harper, who got married just weeks before his death, was killed during an incident at a crossroads near Sulhamstead on 15 August.

The 28-year-old traffic officer and a colleague had been responding to reports of a burglary before PC Harper was dragged under a vehicle.