Andrew Harper: Man denies ‘any involvement in horrific murder’ of police officer allegedly dragged by car

Jed Foster, 20, is charged with murder and the theft of a quad bike

A man accused of killing a police officer has denied any involvement in the “horrific murder”.

A lawyer for Jed Foster, 20, told Reading Magistrates’ Court he would be pleading not guilty to a murder charge in relation to the death of PC Andrew Harper.

The officer died from multiple injuries after being dragged under a vehicle.

Mr Foster, of Burghfield near Reading, is also accused of the theft of a quad bike on 15 August.

His lawyer, Rob Jacques, said: “On behalf of him and his family, I want to say three things. He denies any involvement in the horrific murder of PC Harper.

“We urge the police to follow all lines of enquiry, and for the public to come forward and cooperate.”

Mr Foster stood in the dock in front of a packed public gallery to confirm his name, date of birth and address during a brief hearing on Tuesday morning.

The defendant was not asked to enter pleas, and District Judge Davinder Lachhar remanded him in custody ahead of a hearing at Reading Crown Court on Wednesday.

Nine other people, aged between 13 and 30, were arrested following the death of PC Harper and have been released on bail until 13 September.

PC Harper, 28, was an officer in Thames Valley Police’s traffic unit and had got married four weeks before his death.

His wife, Lissie Harper, called him the “kindest, loveliest, most selfless person you will ever meet”.

“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,” she said.

“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.”

Additional reporting by PA