FORENSIC offices have closed down a busy road as they continue to investigate the death of PC Andrew Harper.

Thames Valley Police issued a statement earlier today to inform the public that the A4 Bath Road would be closed at 11.45am between the junctions of Ufton Lane and Lambdens Hill, near to Sulhamstead.

A spokesman said: "The road is to be closed to allow police searches to be carried out in connection with the murder investigation into the death of PC Andrew Harper.

"It is expected that the road will be closed for approximately one hour, however this could change depending on the progress of the searches."

Diversions have been put in place but motorists were advised to avoid the area while the searches were ongoing. 

Basingstoke Gazette:

The spokesman added: "We apologise for any inconvenience caused, but the searches are vital to our ongoing murder investigation."

PC Harper, 28, was attending a burglary in the village of Sulhamstead, near Reading, on Thursday night when he was hit by a car.

He was dragged down the road when he was hit by a Seat 'getaway' van, The Daily Mail reported. 

Police have been searching the permanent traveller camp named Four Houses Corner since the death of the officer on Thursday night. 

The caravan site has been on lockdown since yesterday evening with no entry permitted by authorities.

Ten men aged 30 to 13 remain in police custody and are expected to be either charged or released within the next 24 hours.