Thames Valley Police have confirmed that several arrests have today (17/9) been made in connection with the death of PC Andrew Harper in a series of warrants carried out by more than 100 officers in Berkshire and Hampshire.
The force also confirmed that they have re-arrested three people in connection with the incident, which occurred on Thursday 15 August at the crossroads of Ufton Lane and Lambdens Hill, near Sulhamstead.
The three people, who are all male, were initially arrested on Friday, 16 August.
They were then released on bail until Thursday, 12 September, and were then re-bailed until 16 November.
They are an 18-year-old man and two 17-year-old boys, all from the Reading area.
Today, they have been re-arrested along with a 21-year-old man from Basingstoke, who has been arrested for the first time in connection with this investigation.
They are all currently in police custody.
Detective Superintendent Ailsa Kent, of the Thames Valley Police Major Crime Unit, said:
“We are continuing to investigate the death of our colleague PC Andrew Harper, and today we have re-arrested three people in connection with this.
“In addition to these re-arrests, we have also arrested a further suspect, a 21-year-old man from Basingstoke.
“All four have been arrested on suspicion of murder and theft and are in our custody.
“This follows new evidence coming to light as the investigation has progressed in recent weeks.
“Members of the public might see an increased police presence at the locations of these warrants today.
“We appreciate the public’s patience and support while we progress these critical lines of enquiry.
“This is an ongoing, complex investigation, and we remain committed to achieving justice for PC Harper, his family, friends and colleagues.
“I would also like to reiterate our appeal for anyone who knows anything about this incident to come forward and talk to police if you have not already done so.
“Anyone with any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, should call the Thames Valley Police non-emergency number on 101.”
If you would like to make a report anonymously, you can do so online or by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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This was/is a difficult case as the suspects will have cast iron alibis from their communities and until this case the police have always trodden warily where the travelling community has been involved, preferring to turn a blind eye where they were concerned as any investigation was time consuming and the C P S often refused to prosecute unless there was overwhelming evidence.