MALDON MP John Whittingdale has added his voice to calls for life sentences for those who kill emergency service workers – on the anniversary of the death of PC Andrew Harper.

PC Harper was killed exactly one year ago today (Saturday, 15 August) after responding to the theft of a quad bike. He was dragged to his death when he became tangled in a strap dangling from the back of a car driven by one of the thieves as they tried to escape.

Three teenagers were convicted of his manslaughter and given sentences ranging from 13 to 16 years, with release possible for two of them in just nine years.

Mr Whittingdale, who yesterday attended a ceremony at Essex Police HQ to mark the first anniversary of PC Harper's death, said: "It was an honour to join the Chief Constable and officers of Essex Police in paying our respects to PC Harper one year after he was tragically killed.

"I also support Essex Police in backing his widow's call for 'Andrew's Law' which would ensure that criminals convicted of killing emergency service workers spend the rest of their lives in jail."

Police forces across the country held a minute's silence at 11am on Friday as a mark of respect to PC Harper.