TWENTY-YEAR-OLD Jed Foster has appeared in court charged with the murder of Andrew Harper, a police officer who was killed while investigating a burglary.
But who is he, when was he arrested, and what has he said about the brave cop's death?
What happened to Andrew Harper?
PC Harper, of Thames Valley Police, was killed while responding to a burglary at around 23.30 on August 15.
The 28-year-old died after being mowed down and "dragged along" the A4 Bath Road in Sulhamstead, Berkshire.
He had been attending the break-in with another officer, who was unharmed but according to Thames Valley Police is being given emotional support.
A post-mortem examination concluded that Harper died of multiple injuries.
The incident comes only four weeks after Harper married wife Lissie, and days before the pair had been due to go on their honeymoon.
Ms Harper has paid tribute to Andrew, saying her was the "kindest, loveliest, most selfless person you will ever meet".
"I want to be angry that your job took you away from us but I know you loved it and always wanted to keep everyone safe, especially me," she said.
"My heart is broken without you my sweetheart but my god I feel so lucky that it was me you chose to share your amazing life with."
Who is Jed Foster?
Jed Foster is one of ten people, aged between 13 and 30, to have been arrested in relation to the death.
All ten were arrested at a caravan park near the scene within an hour of the incident, with all but Foster having since been released on bail until September 13.
Foster, from Reading, has been charged with murder and the theft of a quad bike from a man called Peter Wallis.
He remains in custody until a hearing at Reading Crown Court on August 21, after which he will have the chance to seek bail.
A timetable for the case will then be set.
Foster denies "any involvement" in the killing.
What has he said?
Foster appeared at a preliminary hearing at Reading Magistrates' Court on August 20.
In the packed public gallery were members of his family, including his mum, Jolene Hannington, who was seen clutching a Superman teddy.
Also present were PC Harper's mum Deborah and stepdad Phil.
Foster spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, and address, though was seen winking to his family as he was led away in handcuffs.
Defence lawyer Robert Jacques told the hearing: "[Foster] denies any involvement in the horrific murder of PC Harper, he urges the police to follow all lines of enquiry, and for the public to come forward and cooperate."
Outside court, Mr Jacques added: “On behalf of him and his family, he emphatically denies any responsibility or involvement in the horrific murder of PC Andrew Harper.
“We urge the police to follow every single line of enquiry to prove who is responsible to ensure there is justice in this case.
“We also urge any member of the public who has information, however difficult it is for them, to come forward and liaise with police.”
District Judge Davinder Lachhar said: “No doubt enquiries are still ongoing.
“Whatever [Foster] wants to say about the offences themselves, he will have the opportunity at Crown Court.”
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