POLICE this week have been investigating the tragic death of an Abingdon-based officer who was killed while on duty between Reading and Newbury.

PC Andrew Harper, 28, died of 'multiple injuries' in Sulhampstead on Thursday night (August 15).

The newlywed was attending to reports of a burglary when he was caught between a vehicle and 'dragged underneath it for a distance'.

How he came to be between the vehicle in the first place is unknown at this point.

Since his death, tributes and support for PC Harper and his family have poured in from across the country, with his wife of just 28 days, Lissie Harper, releasing a heartbreaking tribute to her 'best friend'.

In the tribute she described her husband as 'the kindest, loveliest, most selfless person you will ever meet'.

The couple were due to begin their honeymoon a few days after he died.

Well-wishers have been placing floral tributes and cards at the scene of the officer's death all week, with many fellow officers visiting the site.

More than £242,000 has been raised through donations for PC Harper's family via a JustGiving page set up in his name.

Within an hour of the incident, 10 males aged between 13 and 30 were arrested in connection with the police officer's death.

Of these, nine have since been released on bail, while 20-year-old Jed Foster, of Pingewood Road S near Burghfield, Reading, has been charged with PC Harper's murder.

He appeared at Reading Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, August 20.

Mr Foster spoke only to confirm his name and address, while his defence Rob Jacques said the defendant 'strongly denies any involvement in the horrific murder of PC Harper'.

He also urged the police to conduct a thorough investigation.

Mr Jacques said outside the court: "On behalf of him and his family, he emphatically denies any responsibility or involvement in the horrific murder of PC Andrew Harper.

"We urge the police to follow every single line of enquiry to prove who is responsible and to ensure there is justice in this case.

"We also urge any member of the public who has information, however difficult it is for them, to come forward and liaise with the police."

The investigation into PC Harper's death continues.

To donate to PC Harper's family, visit the crowdfunding page at: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/pc-andrew-harper.