A TRIAL date has been set for the man accused of killing policeman PC Andrew Harper. 

The case against Jed Foster, 20 of Pingewood Road South near Burghfield, Reading, was discussed before a judge at Reading Crown Court to set the first date of his trial.  

Foster wore a grey prison-issued tracksuit as he listened via video link at the preliminary hearing and he only confirmed his name, date of birth, and nationality.

The 20-year-old faces a charge of murder and one of theft with others unknown of a quad bike belonging to Peter Wallis in Bradfield Southend.

It comes after Abingdon-based officer PC Andrew Harper died while on duty in Reading. 

The 28-year-old police officer was responding to reports of a burglary when it happened on the A4 Bath Road in Berkshire on Thursday night.

In a hearing at yesterday’s Reading Magistrates’ Court his defence Rob Jacques said the defendant ‘emphatically denies’ any involvement in the 'horrific murder' of PC Harper.

Foster is expected to face trial on January 20 at Reading Crown Court.