The widow of Pc Andrew Harper led the procession as around 5,000 motorcyclists put on their full leathers to complete a charity ride in memory of the tragic police officer.

Lissie Harper was the passenger on her husband’s motorcycle, ridden by her brother Jake Beckett, which began the 15-mile journey from RAF Benson to Abingdon Airfield in Oxfordshire on Sunday.

She was followed by Mr and Mrs Harper’s immediate family, as members of the public lined the route to show their appreciation.

An RAF Benson spokesman said: “There were more than 4,000 people here, there were motorcycles as far as the eye can see.

Motorcylists ride in memory of PC Andrew Harper
The lead motorcycle (right) shows Lissie Harper, widow of Pc Andrew Harper, who was the passenger on her husband’s motorcycle, ridden by her brother Jake Beckett (Ben Birchall/PA)

“They started leaving in groups of about 500 from midday, and by 2pm they were probably only half-way through.

Motorcylists ride in memory of PC Andrew Harper
Thousands of motorcyclists took part in a ‘ride of respect’ in Oxfordshire in memory of Pc Andrew Harper (Ben Birchall/PA)

“People just wanted to show their respects.”

Motorcylists ride in memory of PC Andrew Harper
A picture Pc Andrew Harper on a Honda Goldwing motorbike (Ben Birchall/PA)

He died from multiple injuries after being dragged under a van, four weeks after his wedding.

Around 800 mourners turned out for his funeral at Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford on October 14.

Motorcylists ride in memory of PC Andrew Harper
More than 4,000 motorcyclists are thought to have taken part (Ben Birchall/PA)

Thomas King, 21, from Basingstoke, is also accused of conspiracy to steal a quad bike.