A MURDER investigation has been launched after a Thames Valley police officer was killed while investigating a reported burglarly in Berkshire.

PC Andrew Harper was killed while attending a reported burglary between Newbury and Reading last night.

Minister of State for Policing and Crime and MP for North West Hampshire Kit Malthouse tweeted: “All our thoughts are with PC Harper’s family and his colleagues after this terrible incident.”

He also shared Prime Minster Boris Johnson’s comment on PC Harper’s death.

The incident happened at around 11.30pm near the A4, Bath Road at the crossroads of Ufton Lane and Lambdens Hill near the village of Sulhamstead.

Police have arrested ten men aged between 13 and 30 on suspicion of murder.

Deputy Chief Constable Jason Hogg said in a statement: “As a force we are devastated at the loss of our colleague and will all be supporting each other at this difficult time.

“Our deepest thoughts at this time are of course with Andrew’s friends and family, who are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers.

“Our thoughts also extend to all of Andrew’s colleagues within Thames Valley Police."

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Blaik, of the Thames Valley Police Major Crime Unit, said: “This is a tragic incident, and I would like to reassure the public as well as our officers and staff that we have launched a full and thorough investigation to establish what has happened.

A police cordon remains in place at the scene of the incident, and the A4 has been reopened.

Priti Patel, the home secretary, tweeted her condolences: "My thoughts are with the family of Pc Andrew Harper who was killed in the line of duty last night.

"Police officers go to work each and every day to do their duty. We are courageous, caring and compassionate. We confront danger on a daily basis. We know there is a risk when we put on the uniform but we do so as we are proud to protect the public.

"Sadly on very rare and horrendous occasions a colleague makes the ultimate sacrifice. We will ensure that heroism is never forgotten."