BBC Breakfast was halted this morning as presenters Charlie Stayt and Sarah Campbell delivered a devastating update on the potential early release of PC Andrew Harper's killers. The programme came to a standstill for the heartbreaking death update, with the hosts broadcasting live from the red sofa.
Main story: former detective's reaction
Sarah kicked off the BBC programme by outlining the day's leading story, informing viewers: "Good morning, it's Friday the 7th of August, time for our main story. The former senior detective who led the investigation into the death of PC Andrew Harper has told BBC Breakfast that he is appalled that two of his killers could be released early from prison."
BBC host Charlie added: "PC Harper died from catastrophic injuries in 2019, after he was dragged behind the getaway car of three teenagers who fled the scene of a quad bike theft. Our correspondent Hanna Wilkinson has more."
Heartbreaking details
Hannah displayed a heartbreaking photograph of PC Harper and his partner Lissie, stating: "Andrew and Lissie Harper had been married just a month when he was killed in the line of duty. Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, two of his killers, were sentenced to 13 years for manslaughter. The driver of the getaway car, Henry Long, was sentenced to 16 years for the same offence. At the end of the case, a senior investigating officer gave his reaction."
Officer's words and viewer outrage
The officer, Stuart Blaik, was heard saying after the trial: "Long, Bowers and Cole have shown no remorse for what happened that evening, at any stage. They could have helped the investigation from the outset, yet they chose to either say nothing, or in Long's case, provide a false alibi. Their lies and deceit have been exposed in this trial."
Viewers were horrified, with one seething at prime minister Andy Burnham: "Every day you should be reminded of the decisions you make that hurt the victims again while supporting the criminals in their early releases."
