Police officers from Ivybridge were among thousands who took part in a run to remember PC Andrew Harper.

The newlywed officer was killed on August 15 while investigating a burglary in Sulhamstead, Berkshire.

Almost 5,000 people across the country completed the 7.605km virtual race during the August bank holiday.

The distance was a nod to the 28-year-old’s collar number of PC7605.

Among those taking part were Sgt Olly Tayler and PC Glen Baird of Devon and Cornwall Police.

Both braved the scorching heat to honour PC Harper and raise money for his family and a police charity.

Sgt Olly Tayler, lead investigator for Devon and Cornwall’s Roads Policing Unit, took part in the event at Saltram near Plymouth.

He ran alongside another serving officer, a retired police officer, a retired GP, members of the Ivybridge Rotary Club and friends from Coasters Running Club.

Sgt Tayler, from Ivybridge, said the race was extremely inclusive and people could take part at “any time, any pace and on any terrain”.

He said PC Harper’s death had hit “close to home” and he wanted to do something positive in his memory.

“When you wear the same uniform, it does make it personal,” he said. “There is always a chance that you may not go home at the end of the day – you just don’t know.

"This wasn’t just a normal run – it was a way to remember someone who gave their life protecting others.

"It didn’t matter how long you took; this was far more about the cause and it was a nice way to pay tribute.”

PC Baird, former neighbourhood beat manager for Ivybridge, took part in the event in Plymouth.

He ran the distance alongside members of his club, STORM Running, in Central Park.

Baird, who has been in the police for 23 years, said he had initially planned to do the race on his own – until fellow runner Shelley Jones arranged a mass run at the club.

Organisers of the event say runners raised in excess of £25,000.

All the money raised went to Care of Police Survivors (COPS) and a fund set up by Thames Valley Police for the officer’s family.