A MAN from Bramley has appeared at Reading Magistrates Court charged in connection with the murder of PC Andrew Harper.

Thomas King, 21 of Lane End, is charged with conspiracy to steal a quad bike.

Also appearing was Henry Long, 18, from Mortimer as well as two 17-year-old boys who cannot be named for legal reasons.

They are charged with murder as well as conspiracy to steal a quad bike.

All four will appear at the Old Bailey this afternoon.

King, who was sat in an open dock wearing a green jacket, jeans and glasses, spoke only to confirm his name and address.

Long appeared in the dock with the two 17-year-olds, wearing a blue polo shirt and stood with his arms folded.

As the four left the court, cries of "love you" came from the defendants' families.

District Judge Lacchar remanded the three charged with murder into custody, whilst King will be on conditional bail.

He will have an electronic tag fitted and must report to Basingstoke police station on every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

It comes after PC Harper was killed while he was investigating a burglarly in West Berkshire on August 15. 

Chief Crown Prosecutor Jaswant Narwal said in a statement yesterday: "As the investigation into PC Andrew Harper’s death continues, the CPS has today authorised Thames Valley Police to charge Henry Long, 18, and two 17-year-old boys with murder and conspiracy to steal a quad bike on 15 August 2019.

"Thomas King, 21, has also been charged with conspiracy to steal a quad bike."

20-year-old Jed Foster has also been charged with PC Harper's murder, and appeared at Reading Crown Court last month.

He will re-appear at court in January charged with his murder and theft of a quad bike.