Reacting to the tragic death of Thames Valley Police Officer PC Andrew Harper who died on duty last night, John Apter, National Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “The shocking news this morning from our colleagues at Thames Valley Police is simply devastating.

“My thoughts, those of the Police Federation, and of the whole police service are with PC Harper’s family, friends and colleagues at this terrible time.

“Every day police officers run towards the unknown, putting themselves in harm’s way to do their duty and protect the public. Sadly, on awful occasions such as this they make the ultimate sacrifice.

“When one of us falls the loss is felt by the entire police family.

“Our focus now is on supporting those who have been affected by what happened, and we and our colleagues at Thames Valley Police Federation will continue to offer them all the help and assistance we can at this tragic time.”

Andy Fiddler, from Thames Valley Police Federation, said: “This is totally devastating news. All our thoughts - and the thoughts of the entire police family across the UK - are with the family, friends and close colleagues of PC Andrew Harper who died 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.”

He added: “We are offering our full support to the officer’s family and colleagues at this simply awful time.”