Police leaders urge PM to block parole for officer's murderers

Senior police figures have stepped up their campaign

Senior police figures have stepped up their campaign to stop the early release of the men convicted of killing PC Andrew Harper, directly appealing to the Prime Minister to intervene.

The move follows Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham's statement that he was "confident" the government could find a way to prevent the offenders from being freed before completing their full terms.

PC Harper, a Thames Valley Police officer, was dragged to his death along a country road in Berkshire in August 2019 while responding to a reported burglary. Three teenagers were later convicted of his manslaughter, not murder, and received sentences ranging from 13 to 19 years.

The Parole Board has now ruled that two

The Parole Board has now ruled that two of the offenders can be released after serving around half of their sentences, prompting outrage from the officer's widow, Lissie Harper, and the wider policing community.

In a letter to Downing Street, police chiefs argue that releasing the men early would undermine public confidence in the justice system and send a dangerous signal about the value of an officer's life. They are pressing for legislative changes or an emergency review to block the decision.

Burnham, who previously served as a minister, said he believed there were legal avenues available to the government, adding that he had been assured by sources that efforts to prevent the release were ongoing.

A Home Office spokesperson said the government was

A Home Office spokesperson said the government was examining all options, while insisting that parole decisions are made independently. However, the pressure continues to mount, with calls growing for a change in the law to ensure that anyone who causes the death of a police officer faces a mandatory life sentence.