The funeral of PC Andrew Harper is taking place at Christ Church Cathedral in St Aldates, Oxford, at 11 am today (14/10).
As a mark of respect, flags across Thames Valley Police will be flying at half-mast.
Police & staff from across the force will be playing their part in honouring Andrew today, whether they are attending the service, are deployed as part of the operation or are ensuring cover and providing our usual policing service.
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said:
“We welcome the support of officers from other forces, our emergency services colleagues and partner agencies who will be remembering Andrew both in attending the funeral and along the route, both in and out of uniform.
“We are very grateful for the strong support we have had from our partners and the local community, which has enabled us to pay our respects to Andrew.
“We appreciate the road closures which are expected to be in place between approximately 8 am and 12.30 pm will cause some disruption and we would like to thank everyone affected by this for their co-operation”.
Road closures will include:
- The Plain
- Magdalen Bridge
- High Street
- St Aldates – closure is in place from the city centre up to the corner of Speedwell Street
Andrew’s family and friends will be joined at the cathedral service by more than 800 people.
St Aldate | Credit: @GorillaoJustice – Twitter
Those attending will include Thames Valley Police Chief Constable, John Campbell and Chief Officers from other forces along with representatives from the Police Federation, Police and Crime Commissioners and the Superintendents Association.
Senior leaders from other emergency services, along with local partner agencies, dignitaries and representatives from the criminal justice system will also be attending.
The spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said:
“This is a private funeral, but we welcome people to Oxford to pay their respects along the processional route.
“Members of the public can position themselves behind the barriers that will be in place.
“Members of the public can leave messages of condolence to Andrew’s family by emailing PCAndrewHarperCondolences@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk.
“The family has requested no flowers.
“This means that no-one, including members of public and mourners, should bring flowers to Oxford city centre or the cathedral.
Flags across Thames Valley Police are being flown at half mast
“Flowers should not be thrown at the cortege at any point on the route.
“Instead of flowers, the family has requested that donations can be made to the following charities:
· Tiggywinkles wildlife hospital, Aston Road, Haddenham, HP17 8AF.
· Blue Cross rehoming centre, London Road, Lewknor, OX49 5RY.”
Craig O’Leary, Chairman of Thames Valley Police Federation, said:
“PC Andrew Harper loved being a police officer. It is our sad duty today to pay our last respects to him and support his wife Lissie, his family and his friends at his funeral.
“Police officers go to work each and every day to fight crime and protect the public. Sadly on very rare occasions a colleague makes the ultimate sacrifice. We will ensure that heroism is never forgotten.
“And that is what Andrew was. A hero. Loved by his family. Loved by his friends. And loved by his colleagues. He of course remains much missed.”
PC Andrew Harper at his wedding with his brother
Craig added: “It goes without saying that this has been a terribly tough time for Andrew’s colleagues and the whole force – having to carry on policing the Thames Valley area while mourning the death of a colleague.
“This has really hit us all hard and shocked everyone in the whole police service. But we are supporting each other as best we can.”
Craig concluded: “Since we lost Andrew, the support we have received from the police family and the public in the UK – and indeed across the world – has been overwhelming. And that has once again been evidenced today with the public and colleagues attending from across the country.
“On behalf of all my colleagues in Thames Valley Police, I’d like to express my gratitude for that continuing support, the donations to Andrew’s Memorial Fund and the many messages of condolence.
“It means a lot to us and it means a lot to Andrew’s family.”
