Abingdon mourns death of 'selfless' PC Andrew Harper

The 28-year-old, who was based in the town for years, died while responding to reports of a burglary on the A4 in Berkshire on Thursday night.

PC Andrew Harper with his wife Lissie Harper on their wedding day. Picture: Thames Valley Police

Abingdon mayor Charlie Birks said yesterday the Thames Valley Police Flag would also be flying at half mast from County Hall as a mark of respect for the officer.

He added: "The whole of the town was shocked and saddened to hear of the death of PC Andrew Harper, who had been based at Abingdon Police Station for many years.

"Andrew lost his life in the line of duty, selflessly serving and protecting the public.

Flowers left outside Abingdon Police Station. Picture: Sam Brown

"His death has come as a sharp reminder of the risks which the police take on our behalf every day."

Mr Birks continued:"Our thoughts are with Andrew’s widow Lissie, his family, his friends and his colleagues.

"I have read Lissie’s very moving tribute to her late husband and I am writing to Andrew’s widow to offer our sincere condolences at this very sad time."

After one resident posted they had left flowers by the door of the Marcham Road police station on Facebook page Spotted: Abingdon there was an outpouring of support for the gesture.

Gloria Stallard Foley commented: "A very warm heartfelt gesture... I think because he was based here in Abingdon we feel this atrocity is very personal.

"It’s a way of people showing the respect these men deserve who put their own lives on the line 24/7 to protect us all. How thankful we should be to them.

"RIP young man and thank you for your service."

Sam Brown, sharing a picture of around a dozen bouquets, wrote: "Lovely to see so many amazing people who support our police force and the people who wear the uniform.

"This is the collection that has been left outside the station after only one day. Really restores faith in humanity. RIP Andrew."

Oxfordshire Cadet Force volunteer Ryan Scott tweeted his thanks to those who have left flowers at the station, writing: "Working out of Abingdon Station this evening and let me tell you, the pile of flowers outside for our colleague, PC Andrew Harper, just does something to me that I can't quite explain – as it does to all the officers and staff that see it."

PC Andrew Harper. Picture: Thames Valley Police

Police officers and the public have also been laying flowers, candles and messages at the scene of the officer's death.

More than £200,000 has been donated by wellwishers to the family and PC Harper's widow.

On Monday evening Lissie Harper released her own tribute to her husband, addressed to her 'best friend', writing: "My heart is broken without you my sweetheart but my god I feel so lucky that it was me you chose to share your amazing life with.

"You have imprinted so much love and laughter onto all of our lives and we are honoured for that.

"Although we were married for only 28 days before you were cruelly taken away from me, my husband you were perfect. I will never ever stop loving you and I feel so grateful for the happiest thirteen years of my life."

Jed Foster, 20, of Pingewood in Burghfield, near Reading, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court yesterday charged with PC Harper's murder and theft – 'with others unknown' – of a quad bike belonging to Peter Wallis in Bradford South.

He denies all involvement and was not asked to enter pleas at the hearing.

Foster is expected to next appear before Reading Crown Court today at 9.30am.