POLICE officers in Barrow joined in a national minute's silence to pay respects to one of their own.

Officers gathered outside the town's police station at 11am yesterday to remember PC Andrew Harper who was killed while on duty a week ago.

The 28-year-old Thames Valley Police officer died while investigating a report of a burglary in Berkshire on August 15.

Inspector Rob Lampard gave a tribute to PC Harper and led the group of officers and emergency service crew in a minute's silence.

Speaking after the tribute, Inspector Sara Seath said: “We’re here today to send out a message that if you hurt one of us, you hurt all of us.

“We want to show support for Andrew Harper and his family.

“Also to show our solidarity and respect.”

Shane Parkinson, a watch manager at Barrow Firestation, was one of the emergency service members to stand in solidarity with Barrow police officers.

Mr Parkinson said: “We’re here today to show solidarity with the police for their loss.”

Thames Valley Police released tributes to PC Harper from his family.

His mother Debbie said: “We are devastated and bereft but, as Andrew always lived with dignity, honour and calmness, we intend to grieve in this way.

“A big part of me has gone with you. I cannot imagine our lives going forward, but we will do so with Andrew in our hearts.”

His father Phil said: “You would always put yourself forward to look after the people around you, and would always see the good in others.

“You always made us laugh, always bringing tears of happiness to our eyes.”

PC Harper’s brother Sean said: “We all love you so much, I promise you will never be forgotten, and I promise that I will do my best to try to make you as proud of me as I am of you.”

His sister Aimee said: “It takes my breath away every time the realisation sets in that I never get to see you again.

"But we were so, so lucky to all be together for the wedding, which was perfect.”