PC Andrew Harper: Hundreds turn out for ‘exceptional’ officer’s funeral

A police officer who died while on duty was described as “exceptional” as hundreds turned out for his funeral.

PC Andrew Harper, 28, from Thames Valley Police, was killed on 15 August near the village of Sulhamstead in Berkshire.

The newlywed died from multiple injuries after being dragged under a van.

Hundreds of people came to watch the officer’s coffin arriving at Christ Church cathedral in Oxford this morning.

Uniformed officers lined the streets of the city along the route of the procession, which was led by mounted officers from Thames Valley Police.

PC Harper’s coffin was draped in a navy flag featuring a police crest.

Thames Valley Police lead chaplain Reverend Helen Arnold opened the service which was attended by officers from his force and neighbouring units.

PC Harper’s family laid symbols of his life in front of a large photo of him. Items included a Mr Men mug, a box of eggs and a jar of Nutella.

During the service, songs by Shirley Bassey and Russell Watson were played as well as performances from the cathedral choir.

The Dean of Christ Church cathedral, the Very Reverend Professor Martyn Percy, described PC Harper as a “kind, brave, strong and loyal man”.

He added: “Some might say he was an ordinary man with an ordinary job. I do not agree.

“He represented policing at its best. He was everything you wanted in a police officer. Authentic, brave, genuine and kind.

“Such tributes are treasure for a treasured man but they do not take away the pain of our grief and the pain of our loss.

“Today we mourn an exceptional man who died in the line of duty and even as we do we give thanks to each and every one here and watching.

“They selflessly serve our society, the thin blue line which runs through our community.

“They continue to inspire us just as Andrew does.”

The officer had been married to his partner Lissie for just four weeks when he died and she said he was “the kindest, loveliest, most selfless” person.

Before the service, Craig O’Leary, chairman of Thames Valley Police Federation, said PC Harper was a “hero” and loved by his family, friends and colleagues.

In a statement, Mr O’Leary said: “PC Andrew Harper loved being a police officer. It is our sad duty today to pay our last respects to him and support his wife Lissie, his family and his friends at his funeral.

“This has really hit us all hard and shocked everyone in the whole police service.”

PC Harper’s family has asked for any donations to be made to the Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital on Aston Road, Haddenham, or the Blue Cross re-homing centre on London Road, Lewknor.

Thousands of people have signed up to take part in a “ride of respect” in PC Harper’s memory on 27 October.

The motorcycle event is due to set off from RAF Benson to Abingdon Airfield in Oxfordshire.

Organiser Sian Sloper said 2,240 people had registered to take part so far.

Henry Long, 18, from Mortimer in Reading, and two 17-year-old boys, who cannot be named because of their age, have been charged with murder and conspiracy to steal a quad bike.

Thomas King, 21, from Basingstoke, is also accused of conspiracy to steal a quad bike.

(c) Sky News 2019: PC Andrew Harper: Hundreds turn out for ‘exceptional’ officer’s funeral