More than 800 mourners expected to attend 'hero' PC Andrew Harper's funeral

More than 800 people are expected to turn out to the funeral of 'hero' PC Andrew Harper.

The 28-year-old police officer died in August from multiple injuries after being dragged under a van while responding to a burglary in Berkshire.

Ahead of his funeral at 11am this morning at Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford, PC Harper has been hailed a "hero" by Thames Valley Police.

His wife - who he married just four weeks before his tragic death - his family, friends and colleagues are to pay tribute at his private funeral, while the public can pay their respects along the processional route.

Andrew and his wife Lissie (PA)

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.

"This has really hit us all hard and shocked everyone in the whole police service.

"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."

The newlyweds were married for just weeks before the tragic incident (PA)

Police have warned there will be some disruption to the city as road closures have been put in place for the procession.

PC Harper's family have asked for donations to Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital or the Blue Cross re-homing centre.

Following paid respects on Monday, October 14, thousands have also signed up to take part in a "ride of respect" in PC Harper's memory on October 27.

The motorcycle event is due to set off from RAF Benson to Abingdon Airfield in Oxfordshire.

Further respects have also flooded Twitter this morning with the hashtag #RIPPCHarper.

Tributes left near the scene of his death (PA)

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.

If you would like to leave a message of condolence to PC Harper's family, you can email PCAndrewHarperCondolences@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk.