SILENCE fell outside Basingstoke Police Centre this morning as dozens of officers stood side by side in tribute to the late PC Andrew Harper.

The servicemen and women took part in a one minute's silence at 11am to honour the policeman who died on Thursday, August 15 while attending to a robbery.

A photograph shared to Hampshire Constabulary's social media page showed around 100 police staff standing outside Basingstoke's Police and Investigation Centre.

Alongside the photo, the force wrote: "This morning across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight we stood alongside our colleagues at Thames Valley Police and our wider police family to honour PC Andrew Harper 💙

"Our thoughts remain with his family and friends at this time."

The image was shared almost 1,000 times within two hours. 

Hundreds of people commented in tribute to the late policeman.

Tara Nizam wrote: "Rest in Peace PC Harper. Thoughts are with your family and friends. We don't appreciate enough what the police do for us keeping us safe."

Roy Adams wrote: "As a retired emergency worker, you have my deepest respect and gratitude.

"Your job is made so hard nowadays with the lack of discipline and the advent of mobile phone cameras. Please remember that you have many who would fight your corner and come to your assistance. You’re not alone. Keep up the good work."