A MAN accused of murder after the death of an on-duty police officer has appeared in front of a busy court room.

Jed Foster, of Pingewood Road, near Burghfield, Reading, appeared via video link at Reading Crown Court today to confirm only his name, date of birth and nationality.

The 20-year-old, currently being held at HMP Woodhill, faces one charge of murder and one charge of theft with others unknown of a quad bike in Bradfield Southend.

It comes after Abingdon-based police officer Andrew Harper, 28, died near the A4 Bath Road in Berkshire while responding to reports of a burglary Thursday night.

Members of the police officer's family attended Reading Crown Court, as well as more than 10 friends and family of Mr Foster.

In today's crown court hearing, Foster was not asked to enter a plea.

But in a hearing at yesterday’s Reading Magistrates’ Court his defence Rob Jacques said the defendant ‘emphatically denies’ any involvement in the 'horrific murder' of PC Harper.

His defence John Lamb did apply for an order restricting the publishing of any photograph or picture of the defendant. The order was issued by Judge Paul Dugdale.

Foster is expected to face trial before a high court judge on January 20 at Reading Crown Court.

He has been remanded in custody.