More than 5,000 motorbikes give hero PC Andrew Harper a ‘ride of respect’ in touching tribute

MORE than 5,000 motorbikes completed a charity ride in memory of a police officer you tragically lost his life

The widow of PC Andrew Harper, Leslie, led the procession as a passenger on her husband’s motorcycle, ridden by her brother Jake Beckett.

They began the 15-mile journey from RAF Benson to Abingdon Airfield in Oxfordshire today.

She was followed by her husband’s immediate family, as members of the public lined the route to show their appreciation.

Organisers said more than £16,000 had been raised for the family and designated charities.

An RAF Benson spokesman said: “There were more than 4,000 people here, there were motorcycles as far as the eye can see.

“It might be closer to 5,000 people, actually.

“They started leaving in groups of about 500 from midday, and by 2pm they were probably only half-way through.

“The family were overwhelmed with the support when they arrived, and a lot of money has been raised.

“People just wanted to show their respects.”

The 28-year-old newlywed, from Thames Valley Police, was killed on August 15 near the village of Sulhamstead in Berkshire.

He died from multiple injuries after being dragged under a van, four weeks after his wedding.

Around 800 mourners turned out for his funeral at Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford on October 14.

Suspects Henry Long, 18, from Mortimer in Reading, and two 17-year-old boys, who cannot be named because of their age, have been charged with murder and conspiracy to steal a quad bike.

Thomas King, 21, from Basingstoke, is also accused of conspiracy to steal a quad bike.