A MAN accused of the murder of a police officer in Berkshire will stand trial in January.

Jed Foster, who was also accused of the theft of a quad bike with unknown others, appeared at Reading Crown Court this morning, Wednesday 21 August.

His trial will begin on Monday, January 20, 2020 at Reading Crown Court, and is scheduled for three weeks.

Judge Paul Dugdale said: "It was an incident that took place in Berkshire, and the case should be heard in Berkshire."

He told Foster: "It is in your interest to co-operate with your lawyers."

After a request by the prosecution, Mr Ward Jackson, there will be a High Court Judge.

The defence have made no application for bail and he will be remanded in custody until the trial.

Foster will appear in court again before the start of the trial, on Wednesday, November 20.

PC Andrew Harper was killed when responding to reports of a burglary in Berkshire last week.

Yesterday, Mr Foster's solicitor, Robert Jacques, held a press conference outside Reading Magistrates Court shortly after he was remanded into custody, saying: "Mr Foster emphatically denies any involvement in the murder of PC Harper.

"We urge the police to follow every single line of inquiry to prove who is responsible and to ensure that there is justice in this case.

"We also urge any members of the public who have information - no matter how difficult it is for them - to come forward and liaise with the police.

"There will be no other statement. I ask you to leave them alone - this is very stressful."