Wife’s tribute to ‘hero’ PC Andrew Harper as man, 20, is charged with his murder

The wife of a police officer who was killed has released a tribute to him as a 20-year-old man was charged with his murder.

PC Andrew Harper’s wife Lissie described her husband as “the kindest, loveliest, most selfless person”, adding: “My darling boy, I do not know how I will be able to survive without you.

“You had the best sense of humour and never took life too seriously. You treasured every moment and always had a smile on your face.”

Jed Foster from Reading will appear in the city’s magistrates’ court this morning over the officer’s death and the theft of a quad bike.

Chief crown prosecutor Jaswant Narwal said: “We will offer to meet with PC Harper’s family to explain the basis of the decision we have made following a lengthy review of the evidence available.”

Foster was one of 10 people aged between 13 and 30 who were arrested shortly after PC Harper’s death on 15 August.

The remaining nine people have been bailed until 13 September.

PC Harper, a 28-year-old newlywed, was responding to a reported burglary when he died after being dragged by a vehicle near the village of Sulhamstead in Berkshire.

The officer, who was a member of the Roads Policing Proactive Unit based at Abingdon, died of multiple injuries.

In her heartfelt tribute his wife wrote: “I want to be angry that your job took you away from us but I know you loved it and always wanted to keep everyone safe, especially me. You went the extra mile whenever you could and genuinely cared for everyone.

“The lights have dimmed on all of our lives now that you are no longer here, but it’s no surprise that even when you’re gone, you’re still keeping us all going, knowing that you would tell us to carry on and stay strong.

“I can’t begin to imagine a life without your silly jokes, size 14 feet, large appetite, big hugs, Sunday roasts, and never faltering positive attitude. You kept me going if I was down and took care of us all until the last.”

She added: “My heart is broken without you, my sweetheart, but my god I feel so lucky that it was me you chose to share your amazing life with. You have imprinted so much love and laughter onto all of our lives and we are honoured for that.

“Although we were married for only 28 days before you were cruelly taken away from me, my husband you were perfect. I will never ever stop loving you and I feel so grateful for the happiest 13 years of my life.

“Our superman, our bodyguard, our light in the dark. My god we will miss you. Forever you will be remembered as the best of us. I will carry your love with me always.”

A fundraising page set up to support PC Harper’s family has gathered more than £200,000.

(c) Sky News 2019: Wife’s tribute to ‘hero’ PC Andrew Harper as man, 20, is charged with his murder