A MAN accused of killing a police officer while he investigated a burglary has denied any involvement in the “horrific murder”.
Jed Foster, 20, is charged over the death of newlywed PC Andrew Harper, 28, last Thursday in the village of Sulhamstead in Berkshire. The Thames Valley Police constable died from multiple injuries after being dragged under a vehicle.
Foster appeared amid a heavy police presence at Reading Magistrates’ Court, charged with murder and the theft of a quad bike from Peter Wallis. Members of Pc Harper’s family watched from the packed public gallery as Foster stood in the dock wearing a grey prison-issue tracksuit.
He stood, supported by his own family and friends, to confirm his name, date of birth and address during a hearing which lasted around three minutes.
Foster, from Pingewood, near Reading, was not asked to enter pleas to the charges and District Judge Davinder Lachhar remanded him in custody until an appearance at Reading Crown Court.
His lawyer, Rob Jacques, said: “On behalf of him and his family I want to say three things. He denies any involvement in the horrific murder of Pc Harper. We urge the police to follow all lines of inquiry and for the public to come forward and co-operate.”
Speaking outside court, standing next to Foster’s mother, Jo, who was clutching a teddy bear, Jacques gave a statement to reporters. The lawyer said: “He denies any involvement in the murder of Pc Harper.
“He and I and the family urge the police to follow every single inquiry to establish who did, who was responsible, so that justice is delivered for Pc Harper. It’s an extremely difficult investigation and we urge any members of the public who have information to co-operate with the police, no matter how difficult that is.”
On Monday evening, the victim’s widow, Lissie Harper, paid tribute to her husband, describing him as “the kindest, loveliest, most selfless” person. She wrote: “There is not enough paper in the world to even begin to write a tribute for you, but no-one deserves it more.”
People, including families with small children, continued to leave floral tributes at the scene. Members of the armed forces and two armed police officers, one of whom appeared emotional as he placed a bunch of flowers, were among those seen paying their respects.
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