PC Andrew Harper: New suspect arrested over death of police officer after fresh evidence emerges

Man, 21, arrested as three teenage boys taken back into custody

A new suspect has been arrested over the death of police officer who was dragged under a vehicle just weeks after he got married.

A 21-year-old man from Basingstoke was detained in connection with the death of PC Andrew Harper as part of coordinated raids across Berkshire and Hampshire, Thames Valley Police said.

Officers also re-arrested three male suspects, two aged 17 and one aged 18, from the Reading area.

Investigators said they were originally arrested on 16 August, the day after PC Harper’s death, but had been released on bail until November.

“All four have been arrested on suspicion of murder and theft and are in our custody," Detective Superintendent Ailsa Kent said.

“This follows new evidence coming to light as the investigation has progressed in recent weeks.”

More than 100 officers took part in the raids, just over a month after PC Harper’s death on 15 August.

The 28-year-old traffic officer was married the month before he died during an incident at a crossroads near the West Berkshire village of Sulhamstead.

PC Andrew Harper, a member of the roads policing proactive unit, died after responding to reports of a burglary on 15 August (EPA)

Along with a colleague he had been responding to reports of a burglary before he was dragged under a vehicle.

One man, Jed Foster has been charged with murder and theft.

The 20-year-old has denied involvement in PC Harper’s death and remains in custody following a hearing at Reading Crown Court.

“This is an ongoing, complex investigation, and we remain committed to achieving justice for PC Harper, his family, friends and colleagues,” said Det Supt Kent. “I would also like to reiterate our appeal for anyone who knows anything about this incident to come forward and talk to police, if you have not already done so.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.