PC Andrew Harper: Hundreds mourn ‘hero’ police officer at funeral

‘The hardest challenge of all is losing you,’ widow Lissie says

Hundreds of mourners line Oxford's high street to pay their respects (PA)

Hundreds of people attended Andrew Harper’s funeral, two months after the police officer was killed while responding to a burglary.

The 28-year-old Thames Valley Police officer died on 15 August, just four weeks after his wedding.

His wife Lissie was among 800 mourners who attended the funeral at Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford.

”Although Andrew was strong he was also unfailingly kind, a gentle giant with a heart of gold,” Ms Harper told the congregation. “To me, Andrew was everything. My breakfast buddy, my dancing partner, the love of my life.”

Addressing her husband, she added: “You used to tell me we were a team and that we would get through all of life’s hurdles together, how I wish you were here with me now. The hardest challenge of all is losing you.

“My lovely boy, I miss you more and more as the days pass into weeks, my love will never fade and the sound of your laugh will stay with me.”

Crowds gathered outside the church and lined Oxford’s high street, as the funeral procession made its way through the city, led by mounted officers from the force.

PC Harper’s coffin as placed in the centre of the cathedral, covered in a navy flag with the force’s crest on the sides.

Ms Harper was presented with her late husband’s white police hat, which she placed on the coffin.

The service was held in Christ Church Cathedral. (AFP)

Martyn Percy, the dean of Christ Church Cathedral called PC Harper “an exceptional man” before the final blessing by the Bishop of Oxford.

Craig O’Leary, chairman of Thames Valley Police’s federation for rank-and-file officers, called his colleague a “hero”.

“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,” he said. “Police officers go to work each and every day to fight crime and protect the public. Sadly on very rare occasions a colleague makes the ultimate sacrifice. We will ensure that heroism is never forgotten.”

Henry Long, 18, from Reading, and two 17-year-old boys, who cannot be named because of their age, have been charged with PC Harper's murder, as well as conspiracy to steal a quadbike.

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

Police force flags were flown at half-mast across the Thames Valley region, which includes Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, to commemorate the service.

Additional reporting by agencies