TRIBUTES have been rolling in on social media for the police officer killed on duty.
PC Andrew Harper was 'murdered' responding to a reported burglary near Reading.
Ten have been arrested between the ages of 13 and 30 on suspicion of murder of the Abingdon-based officer.
The new Prime Minister has released a statement on Twitter saying: "I am deeply shocked and appalled by the death of a brave officer on duty in Thames Valley last night. 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.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) August 16, 2019
They have my absolute support. (2/2)
Prime Minister @BorisJohnson on the death of PC Andrew Harper. pic.twitter.com/09YCYeaF5V
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) August 16, 2019
Police and crime commissioner Anthony Stansfeld said: "I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of PC Andrew Harper. This is a tragic loss for the force and I know that Thames Valley Police are doing all they can to support those who have been affected."
His deputy Matthew Barber said the tragedy will appal the public across the country.
The shocking murder of PC Andrew Harper is a tragedy that will appal the public across the country. Thoughts and prayers for his family, friends and colleagues. A reminder of the bravery of all our police officers and the risks they bear every day to protect the public. https://t.co/GdU1H3tokO
— Matthew Barber (@matthew_barber) August 16, 2019
Craig O'Leary the chair of the Thames Valley Police federation said words can't describe the sorrow.
Words can’t describe the sorrow we all feel @ThamesVP today. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and colleagues. #RIP pic.twitter.com/DTmm85v0m1
— Craig O'Leary (@TVPFedChair) August 16, 2019
With the federation itself adding on Facebook: "This is totally devastating news. All our thoughts - and the thoughts of the entire police family across the UK - are with the family, friends and close colleagues of PC Harper who died last night.
"Police officers go to work each and every day to do their duty. 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.
"We are offering our full support to the officer’s family and colleagues at this simply awful time."
It comes days after the federation spoke out about officers being assaulted on the frontline.
Others to speak out include Priti Patel, the new Home Secretary.
My thoughts are with the family of PC Andrew Harper who was killed in the line of duty last night. https://t.co/YbvYCMBOrJ
— Priti Patel MP (@patel4witham) August 16, 2019
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