PC Andrew Harper: 5,000 bikers join 'ride in respect' for killed PC
- Published
![Bikes](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/976/cpsprodpb/14DB8/production/_109423458_hi057591444.jpg)
A sea of motorcycles packed out RAF Benson, the starting point for the journey
The widow of a police officer who was killed in the line of duty has led almost 5,000 motorcyclists in a "ride of respect" in his honour.
PC Andrew Harper, 28, died as he responded to reports of a burglary in Sulhamstead, Berkshire, on 15 August.
His wife Lissie, followed closely by other family members, led the huge convoy on a 15-mile route from RAF Benson to Abingdon Airfield in Oxfordshire.
Sian Sloper, who organised the ride, said she was "overwhelmed" by the support shown.
![Lissie Harper on bike](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/976/cpsprodpb/8996/production/_109422253_rideofrespect.jpg)
Lissie Harper was the passenger on her husband's motorcycle (nearest to the camera) , which was ridden by her brother Jake Beckett
![Biker](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/976/cpsprodpb/161A4/production/_109423509_hi057591437.jpg)
Bikers from all over the country travelled to the RAF base before setting off at about midday.
![Sian Sloper](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/976/cpsprodpb/B565/production/_109173464_siansloper.jpg)
Sian Sloper said she decided to organise the ride "to do something nice and bring the community together", before news of the event attracted interest from across the country
![Bikes](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/976/cpsprodpb/6740/production/_109423462_hi057591502.jpg)
Members of the public also gathered along the route to show their support as the collection of bikes, trikes, pillions and even a tuk-tuk went past
![Bikes](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/976/cpsprodpb/1920/production/_109423460_hi057591473.jpg)
Memorial plaques and police flags were attached to many of the bikes taking part
![Motorbikes](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/976/cpsprodpb/8E32/production/_109420463_4c0c8a0a-70ad-4260-9349-e8d6af77fd96.jpg)
Organisers said "a lot of money" had been raised for PC Harper's family and designated charities. An RAF Benson spokesman said: "There were motorcycles as far as the eye can see." He said bikers started leaving "in groups of about 500" from midday, and "by 2pm they were probably only half-way through". PC Harper's family was "overwhelmed with the support when they arrived", he added
![PC Andrew Harper](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/976/cpsprodpb/1825B/production/_108470989_ef7699d4-2c41-4197-8baa-a371215fb7d6.jpg)
PC Harper, from Wallingford, died from multiple injuries after he was struck on the A4 Bath Road. Suspects 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.
All photographs are subject to copyright.
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