Lissie Harper says the possible early release of prisoners is "deplorable", after reports that two of PC Harper's killers could be freed early.

The widow of PC Andrew Harper has described the possible early release of prisoners as "deplorable", following reports that two of his killers could be freed early. Lissie Harper said politicians were "making decisions from behind a desk that will have real and lasting consequences" for the families of victims. Prime Minister Andy Burnham earlier said he would review the Sentencing Act policy that from September would see thousands of offenders in England and Wales eligible to be released earlier. Speaking on Wednesday, Burnham said: "I can't say that I can change the policy completely, but I will look at it in detail before we go further forward." He acknowledged that there was "pressure on prisons places" and that a failure to invest in the prison system in the past had created "an unacceptable situation". Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers were sentenced to 13 years in custody for manslaughter but could be released early under the new Sentencing Act. PC Harper was killed after he was dragged to his death behind their getaway car. The car's driver, Henry Long, was jailed for 16 years for manslaughter but would not be eligible for early release. Burnham's comments came after the mother of police officer Andrew Harper said the potential early release of two of her son's killers felt like an "insult".