PM asks justice secretary to find way to exclude PC Harper’s killers from early release scheme

Andy Burnham said to be ‘determined’ to work out solution after increasing pressure from family and police

Andy Burnham has told the justice secretary to find a way to exclude PC Andrew Harper’s killers from the early release scheme aimed at easing prison overcrowding.

The prime minister is said to be “determined” that a solution can be found after increasing pressure from Harper’s family and police not to allow Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, who were sentenced to 13 years for manslaughter, to be freed in January under the existing plans.