Former Det Sup Stuart Blaik, who led the investigation into the police officer's death, has publicly shared his views on the case for the first time.

Albert Bowers (left) and Jessie Cole (centre) seen leaving court in 2019 are eligible to be freed under the early release scheme The senior investigating officer in the PC Andrew Harper case has told the BBC he is "appalled" that two of the killers will become eligible for early release. PC Harper, 28, from Wallingford, Oxfordshire, died from catastrophic injuries in 2019 when he was dragged behind the getaway car of three teenagers who had fled the scene of a quad bike theft. Two of his killers – Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers – will be eligible for early release next year under revised government plans to tackle prison overcrowding. PC Harper's widow, Lissie Harper, has been among a growing number calling for Cole and Bowers to be denied early release from prison. In a statement given exclusively to BBC Breakfast, former Det Sup Stuart Blaik, who led the Thames Valley Police investigation, said "like many people across the country" he was "deeply concerned and appalled" by the prospect of Bowers and Cole being considered for early release. He said that because the "death of Andrew was such a serious and tragic case", Bowers and Coles should "not be afforded the opportunity" to be released early. "Neither of them showed any remorse during their time in police custody or during their subsequent trial.