A newlywed cop was dragged to his death by a car while responding to a botched burglary in England, and 10 people — including a 13-year-old boy — were busted in connection with his death, according to reports Friday.
Andrew Harper, 28 — who was planning to leave on his honeymoon — was struck by the vehicle around 11:30 p.m. Thursday near Sulhampstead, and died in front of fellow cops, police sources told the UK Metro.
The Thames Valley police road unit officer’s death is the most recent in a spate of cops seriously injured or killed in the line of duty, sparking outrage from elected officials Friday.
“I am deeply shocked and appalled by the death of a brave officer on duty in Thames Valley last night,” Prime Minister Boris Johnson said. “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. They have my absolute support.”
Few other details about his slaying were known Friday — but 10 people between the ages of 13 and 30 were arrested in connection with the murder, according to Chief Constable John Campbell.
Last month, Harper and his wife, Lissie, celebrated their wedding at Ardington House, a Georgian manor in Oxfordshire, and his family was heartbroken over his violent death.
On his Facebook page, Harper’s grandmother, Maureen Shrimpton, wrote, “[It’s] Just a really horrible day,” the outlet reported.
“Our grandson Andrew was killed last night while doing his police work. So proud of him. Our love goes to his lovely wife, Mum and Dad, brother and all of his family and friends. Love from Nan and Bubba xxx,” she added.
Cops were photographed searching the inside of a gray BMW near the scene of the robbery Friday morning, according to the paper.
“Our deepest thoughts at this time are of course with Andrew’s friends and family, who are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers,” said Deputy Chief Constable Jason Hogg. “As a force we are devastated at the loss of our colleague and will all be supporting each other at this difficult time.”
Harper’s death comes after a 42-year-old police constable was run over by an alleged car thief in Birmingham last week — and just days after 28-year-old Stuart Outten suffered head injuries from confronting a suspect who was allegedly wielding a machete in east London, according to Yahoo.com.