DOWNING STREET SAYS IT CANNOT STOP EARLY RELEASE OF PC HARPER KILLERS

Downing Street has stated it cannot prevent the early release of two men convicted of killing PC Andrew Harper, triggering significant backlash from police and the public. Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers were convicted of manslaughter in 2020 and remain eligible for release in January, halfway through their 13-year sentences. A former officer who was at the scene of Harper's death has accused the government of "spitting in the faces of police officers", while more than 880,000 people have signed a petition opposing their release. Thames Valley Police Federation is considering legal action to block the releases.

PC Harper, a newlywed aged 28, was killed in 2019 after being caught in a strap attached to a car and dragged down a country road whilst three teenage suspects fled a burglary scene in Berkshire. Chris Bushnell, then a police constable, was waiting in a lay-by and saw Harper's body being dragged behind the vehicle. He pursued the car but was ordered to stop by radio; minutes later, he was informed Harper had been killed. In a statement, Bushnell said the news of the early release had "brought it all back again" and described the prospect as "absolutely outrageous".

Harper's mother, Debbie Adlam, told ITV News she had not been contacted by the prime minister. She said: "My message is that you want to tour the country, you want to meet the people. You haven't even got in touch with me." Mark Fairhurst, chair of the Prison Officers' Association, disputed the government's position, stating he was "positive we could free up additional space" by using alternative measures such as bail or electronic tagging for people awaiting trial.