Three further teenage suspects have been charged with the murder of PC Andrew Harper.
The newlywed officer, 28, was allegedly dragged to his death by a getaway van on the A4 in Berkshire on August 15.
Chief Crown Prosecutor Jaswant Narwal said today: ‘As the investigation into PC Andrew Harper’s death continues, the CPS has today authorised Thames Valley Police to charge Henry Long, 18, and two 17-year-old boys with murder and conspiracy to steal a quad bike on 15 August 2019.
‘Thomas King, 21, has also been charged with conspiracy to steal a quad bike.’
They newly-charged suspects will appear at Reading Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.
Police have charged three teenagers in a murder probe into the death of PC Andrew Harper. The hero policeman is pictured with his wife Lissie
PC Harper died when he was dragged under a van while responding to a burglary in Berkshire
Another man, 20-year-old Jed Foster, has already appeared in court having been charged with murder and was remanded in custody until another hearing in November.
Yesterday, Thames Valley Police said a series of warrants had been carried out by more than 100 officers in Berkshire and Hampshire as part of the investigation.
The four people who were charged today are understood to have been arrested as part of those raids.
Detective Superintendent Ailsa Kent, of the Thames Valley Police Major Crime Unit, said yesterday: ‘We are continuing to investigate the death of our colleague PC Andrew Harper, and today we have re-arrested three people in connection with this.
‘In addition to these re-arrests, we have also arrested a further suspect, a 21-year-old man from Basingstoke.
‘All four have been arrested on suspicion of murder and theft and are in our custody.’
Police say they ‘remain committed to achieving justice for PC Harper, his family, friends and colleagues’
Colleagues of PC Andrew Harper are pictured at the scene of this killing last month
DS Kent added: ‘This follows new evidence coming to light as the investigation has progressed in recent weeks.
‘Members of the public might see an increased police presence at the locations of these warrants today.
‘We appreciate the public’s patience and support while we progress these critical lines of inquiry.
‘This is an ongoing, complex investigation, and we remain committed to achieving justice for PC Harper, his family, friends and colleagues.
‘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.’
PC Harper was hit while responding to a raid at a Victorian country house in the village of Bradfield Southend, near Reading.
It prompted outrage as well as support for his family, including widow Lissie.
PC Andrew Harper with his wife Lissie (centre) and (left to right) his sister Aimee, father Phil, stepmother Karen and brother Sean
He was honoured by his family and police forces around the country with a minute’s silence in August.
In a tribute after his death, widow Lissie Harper, said her husband was ‘the kindest, loveliest, most selfless person you will ever meet.
‘You were brave, funny, and always there for anyone who needed it.’
PC Harper joined Thames Valley Police as a special constable in 2010 before becoming a police officer a year later, serving in the Roads Policing Proactive Unit based at Abingdon.
Thames Valley Chief Constable John Campbell said Pc Harper was a ‘highly regarded, popular member of the team.’
Mrs Harper added that her husband loved being a police officer and ‘always wanted to keep everyone safe, especially me’.
She said: ‘You went the extra mile whenever you could and genuinely cared for everyone.
‘The lights have dimmed on all of our lives now that you are no longer here, but it’s no surprise that, even when you’re gone, you’re still keeping us all going, knowing that you would tell us to carry on and stay strong.’
She also thanked the public for the ‘overwhelming’ support shown to her and Pc Harper’s family after his death.
