A SEA of almost 5,000 motorcycles set off from RAF Benson in a show of solidarity for PC Andrew Harper.

Hundreds of people lined streets along the 15-mile route to Abingdon Airfield, as engines roared for the PC Harper Ride of Respect today.

Watching from the BP roundabout near Benson were Jackie and David Hall, whose son-in-law James Oliver is a policeman based in Thame.

The officer was one of PC Harper's best friends - the pair had police training together, and they each went to each other's weddings.

Oxford Mail:

PC Harper (family photo)

Mrs Hall, who lives in Berkshire, said: "We live near where it happened.

"I couldn't miss this - it's so lovely, what people have done for somebody they didn't know.

"Harps was quite a character by all accounts. It's heartbreaking."

She said it was an 'emotional' day but the support of the community had been 'amazing.'

ALSO READ: Ride of Respect as is happened

PC Harper, who grew up in Wallingford and was based at Abingdon station, was a motorcyclist himself.

His wife Lissie Harper rode passenger on her late husband's bike, behind her brother Jake Beckett, and they led the convoy with other friends and family including PC Harper's brother.

Oxford Mail:

The ride coming through Abingdon. Picture: Roy Pyniger

Earlier this week, organiser Sian Sloper confirmed the final numbers of those who registered to take part - 4,166 motorbikes, 69 trikes and 534 pillions.

Addressing bikers before they set off, Ms Sloper, from Caversham, said: "I never expected how big this was going to be - very rapidly, it grew and here we are.

"Thank you so much for coming and showing respect for PC Harper, his family and the police force."

Oxford Mail:

Pic: Ben Birchall/PA Wire

People came from across England and even Scotland and Ireland to take part in the ride, with many meeting in groups at various points across the UK and travelling into Oxfordshire together.

Steve Askew and Caz Bowen, from Chalgrove, were among those who took part.

Mr Askew said: “We are taking part to send out a message, and show our respect."

READ AGAIN: Officers line the streets for PC Harper's funeral

His partner added: “This is amazing, but it shouldn’t be happening. He [PC Harper] should never have died. But this is all we can do.”

Noting the blue skies and sunshine compared to Saturday's pouring rain, she added: “I think it’s happened out of respect, this worldly thing. The sun is shining on his memory.”

Al McBride, posting on the Ride of Respect Facebook event page, said: "To see Thames Valley Police officers clapping the bikes through today was very emotional and humbling.

"We never knew him, but PC Andrew Harper was and always will be, one of us."

Riders set off in pods of about 500, the first of which left Benson at midday and the last of which left at about 3.30pm.

Many flew flags with a thin blue line on, representing the loss of a police officer.

Oxford Mail:

Pic: Shaun Townsend

Also watching from the BP roundabout was a group of Wallingford residents, who were clapping in support as the convoy passed.

Among them was Caroline Millett, who described the spectacle as 'mind-blowing.'

She said: “It’s so sad, but everybody has come together.

"This is our show of support, because he [PC Harper] was one of our own, he was from Wallingford."

She said PC Harper attended Wallingford School like her daughter, adding: “The whole community was shattered [by his death].

“He was killed looking after everybody else. It’s not right.”

ALSO READ: Andrew Harper's wife Lissie reads emotional tribute to 'gentle giant'

Retired police officers Steve Bendell and Andy Preece travelled to Benson from South Wales to take part.

Mr Bendell said: “This is close to our hearts.

“This [deaths in the line of duty] is happening more regularly than people realise, and this is highlighting the dangers for all emergency services."

They were among a group of about 500 from an international biking group called the Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, open to anyone in a profession that gives them power of arrest.

Ian Huggett, who served in the Met Police for 36 years, also took part in the ride.

Oxford Mail:

Mr Huggett, who travelled from Lincolnshire, said: "This is quite personal to me, and hugely important.

"I am gobsmacked at the turnout."

The former officer said he was concerned that more people were getting away with crime due to cutbacks in police resources.

He said he was 'shocked' when he heard of PC Harper's death, adding: "It's tragic."

Around 800 mourners turned out for PC Harper's funeral at Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford on October 14.

The newlywed died while responding to reports of a burglary on August 15, near Sulhamstead, Berkshire, and a murder investigation is ongoing.