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PC Andrew Harper's widow unveils 'hero' memorial

Marcus WhiteSouth of England
BBC Lissie Harper and Mrs Michael Winner, who has short, white hair and wears a loose, grey suit, stand on a wooden stage next to a stone memorial in Andrew Harper's name. Curtains have been opened on either side to reveal the memorial.BBC
Lissie Harper and Mrs Michael Winner unveiled the memorial earlier

A memorial to a police officer, whose death on duty led to tougher sentences for the killers of emergency workers, has been unveiled by his widow.

PC Andrew Harper was dragged for a mile by a tow rope loop on a fleeing car after confronting quad bike thieves in a country lane near Sulhamstead, Berkshire, in 2019.

Three teenagers later received custodial sentences of between 13 and 16 years for manslaughter.

His widow Lissie Harper told an unveiling ceremony in Reading: "The world lost a hero, but I lost the person I was meant to grow old with."

Family photo Andrew Harper is pictured in a black and white photograph on his wedding day, wearing a dark suit with a flower buttonhole. He has dark hair and a beard.Family photo
PC Andrew Harper, from Wallingford, was dragged by a car after confronting quad bike thieves in 2019

Mrs Harper, who was married for just 28 days before his death, added: "He was proud to serve as a police officer, but to me he was so much more.

"He was my partner, my strength and my first love.

"I hope that those who walk these streets will take a moment to pause, to pay their respects and to know that he made our world a safer place."

PA Media Lissie Harper speaks at a press conference, with other people in the background. She has light blonde, straight, long hair and wears a white sleeveless top.PA Media
PC Harper's widow Lissie successfully campaigned for tougher sentences for the killers of emergency workers

Thames Valley Police Chief Constable Jason Hogg and Mrs Michael Winner, widow of the late filmmaker who founded the trust, attended the ceremony.

The trust's 61st memorial, a 1.2m (4ft) tribute opposite Reading Crown Court, is carved mainly in Portland Stone with gold lettering.

In 2022, the family's campaign for Harper's Law led to mandatory life sentences for people who kill emergency workers on duty.

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