A petition calling for the killers of PC Andrew Harper to remain behind bars is nearing 850,000 signatures as public pressure continues to grow over plans for their potential early release.

The online campaign was launched after it emerged that Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers could be released before the end of their sentences under new Government measures designed to tackle prison overcrowding.

Jessie Cole (left) and Albert Bowers could be released early (Image: Thames Valley Police/PA Wire)

The petition has attracted support from across the UK, with campaigners arguing that the pair should serve longer in prison for their role in the death of the Thames Valley Police officer.

The growing backlash comes amid reports that Prime Minister Andy Burnham is prepared to "explore every option" to prevent the men from being released early.

Cole and Bowers were sentenced to 13 years in prison after being convicted of the manslaughter of Pc Harper, who was killed while responding to a quad bike theft in Berkshire in August 2019.

The 28-year-old officer suffered fatal injuries after becoming caught in a tow strap attached to the back of a vehicle as three teenagers attempted to flee the scene of the burglary in Sulhamstead.

PC Harper was killed aged 28 in August 2019 (Image: Thames Valley Police/PA Wire)

The tragedy shocked the nation and prompted widespread calls for tougher protection for emergency workers.

The driver of the vehicle, Henry Long, was sentenced to 16 years in prison.

He is not eligible for release under the current plans.

Andrew Harper's widow Lissie Harper speaking during an memorial event at Reading Town Hall ahead of an unveiling of a specially commissioned memorial stone in Reading, dedicated to the memory of Police Constable Andrew Harper of Thames Valley Police. The (Image: Andrew Matthews)

Under sentencing changes due to come into force in October, Cole and Bowers remain eligible to be freed after serving half of their jail terms.

Earlier this week, Mr Burnham said he had pushed changes to the scheme "to the very limits of what is possible" by excluding offenders convicted of rape, serious child sex offences and grooming offences.

The Government has said the measures are necessary to address pressure on the prison estate. Around 5,000 prisoners are now expected to be released early under the revised plans, down from an initial estimate of 6,000 after several categories of offender were removed from the scheme.

Pc Harper's family have repeatedly criticised the decision not to exempt Cole and Bowers, with his mother continuing to campaign against their potential release.

The issue has also attracted political support. Former Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner candidate Festus Akinbusoye urged ministers to reconsider, writing on X: "Please, do the right thing. Show the British public how much you value the life of emergency workers killed on duty."

Downing Street has been approached for comment on reports that options are being considered to block the pair's early release.

Those released under the sentencing changes will be subject to stricter probation conditions, including electronic monitoring, random drug testing and additional restrictions where required.