A NEWLYWED police officer has been tragically murdered making 'the ultimate sacrifice' while on duty.

Abingdon-based officer PC Andrew Harper was killed while trying to stop a burglary with a colleague late Thursday night.

LATEST: Tributes to PC Andrew Harper continue to pour in as family grieve

Ten people, as young as age 13, have been arrested after it happened about 11.30pm near to the A4 Bath Road, in Sulhamstead, between Reading and Newbury.

Deputy police and crime commissioner for Thames Valley Matthew Barber said: "The shocking murder of PC Andrew Harper is a tragedy that will appal the public across the country.

"Thoughts and prayers for his family, friends and colleagues. A reminder of the bravery of all our police officers and the risks they bear every day to protect the public."

The officer, from the Roads Policing Proactive Unit based at Abingdon Police Station, was killed on duty close to the cross roads of Ufton Lane and Lambdens Hill when it happened about 11.30pm. He was in an unmarked police car with a colleague, although outside the car when it happened.

READ ALSO: Murdered PC's grandmother says family was 'so proud' of his police work.

It comes just four weeks after the 28-year-old police officer got married at Ardington House.

Details of how PC Harper, who has worked with the force in Abingdon since 2011, died have not been divulged by the force, but in a press conference held this afternoon police revealed the officer was 'struck' and 'dragged by a car' before he died.

Oxford Mail:

Picture from Steve Parsons/PA Wire

Thames Valley Police chief constable John Campbell said: “We have to examine the exact cause of death and a post-mortem is taking place now.We know at some point he has been dragged along. 

"He was a very popular member of the team. From a force point of view, first of all it brings the force together – he was very well known across the force. It is felt very personally.”

"He said that officers who rushed to the scene are being treated as witnesses but are receiving special support."

ALSO READ: Tributes flood in for PC Andrew Harper killed on duty

The Bath Road was closed overnight, and forensics continued to comb to scene through yesterday as a cordon was put in place.

Pictures showed a blue forensics tent behind police tape as well as forensic teams scouring the road surface and hedges.

Tyre marks could be seen within the cordon.

Thames Valley Police Federation put a statement on Facebook, it 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 Harper who died last night.

Oxford Mail:

Picture from Steve Parsons/PA Wire

"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.

"We are offering our full support to the officer’s family and colleagues at this simply awful time."

It comes days after the federation spoke out about officers being assaulted on the frontline.

Ten people, all male aged between 13 and 30, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and are currently in police custody at various police stations across the Thames Valley.

Police said the ten males were all arrested soon after of the incident, in various locations. It added that police are not ruling out any further suspects.

Oxford Mail:

Police officers across the country have stood united in their response with many appalled at the officer's tragic and 'horrendous' death.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Blaik, of the Thames Valley Police Major Crime Unit, said: “This is a tragic incident, and I would like to reassure the public as well as our officers and staff that we have launched a full and thorough investigation to establish what has happened.

“We have made a total of ten arrests in connection with this incident, and those arrested are currently in police custody. Those arrested are all male and aged between 13 and 30.

Oxford Mail:

“I would appeal to anyone who witnessed this incident to get in touch. If you have any information which you think could be at all relevant to our investigation, no matter how insignificant it may seem, please leave details on our website at https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/ or call 101.”

Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley Anthony Stansfeld added: “I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of PC Andrew Harper.

"This is a tragic loss for the force and I know that Thames Valley Police are doing all they can to support those who have been affected."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or report online to thamesvalley.police.uk