Ten arrested after police officer killed in Berkshire

A police officer has been killed after responding to reports of a burglary in Berkshire.

Ten people have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody at police stations across the area. A 13-year-old boy was among those being held.

PC Andrew Harper, of Thames Valley Police, has been named as the officer who died at the incident near the A4, between Reading and Newbury.

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Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Twitter that he was “deeply shocked and appalled by the death of a brave officer on duty…

“My thoughts are with PC Harper’s family, friends and colleagues at this terrible time.

“It is the most powerful reminder that police officers up and down the country put themselves at risk every single day to keep us safe. They have my absolute support,” he added.

Thames Valley Police said PC Harper was “killed while performing his duties”, but has not given further details, reports the BBC.

Andy Fiddler, from Thames Valley Police Federation, said PC Harper’s death was “totally devastating”.

“All our thoughts - and the thoughts of the entire police family across the UK - are with the family, friends and close colleagues of PC Andrew Harper, who died last night.

“Police officers go to work each and every day to do their duty,” he added on HuffPost. “We are courageous, caring and compassionate. We confront danger on a daily basis. We know there is a risk when we put on the uniform but we do so as we are proud to protect the public.

“Sadly on very rare and horrendous occasions a colleague makes the ultimate sacrifice. We will ensure that heroism is never forgotten.”

PC Harper was attached to the Roads Policing Proactive Unit based at Abingdon Police Station.

Thames Valley Police would not officially confirm reports that PC Harper had been hit by a car, says The Independent.

It also declined to confirm the exact location of the incident - the only buildings near the junction on the A4 that has been cordoned off are a closed-down pub and the storage units of local small businesses, adds the paper.

Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Blaik, the senior investigating officer, said: “This is a tragic incident, and I would like to reassure the public as well as our officers and staff that we have launched a full and thorough investigation to establish what has happened.

“I would appeal to anyone who witnessed this incident to get in touch.”