Pc death - burglar suspect named

Police stressed Mr Thomas is only wanted for questioning over the burglary

Police have named the suspected burglar they believe an officer was chasing when he was hit by a car and died.

Pc Andrew James, 38, died on Saturday 2 August after being struck by a car during the foot chase.

The officer, who lived in Caerphilly with his wife, young daughter and 17-year-old step daughter, was responding to a burglar alarm at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff.

He was pursuing a man he suspected of breaking into the college when he was struck by a passing Volkswagen Golf.

On Friday, South Wales Police named the man wanted in connection with the burglary as Martin Thomas Harris, 38, from the Cathays area of the city, and issued a photograph of him.

But they stressed that Mr Harris, who is unemployed, is wanted for questioning on the burglary and not for the death of the police officer.

Detective Superintendent Geoff Cooper, head of Cardiff CID said: "Andrew's death was a tragedy and he is greatly missed, but Mr Harris is wanted in connection with the burglary and not with his death.

Pc Andrew James died after being struck by a car

"We are appealing to members of the public who think they might know where he is, to contact us and let us do our job.

"I am also making an appeal direct to Mr Harris to contact us," he said.

Officers in the inquiry have already received a telephone call from someone they believe is Mr Harris, who expressed concerns about going to the police.

They believe that Mr Harris is still in Cardiff and are urging him to come forward.

Det Supt Cooper said that any members of the public who knows the whereabouts of Mr Harris should not approach him, but contact the police directly.

"We have evidence that we believe connects him to the burglary," he said.

"We believe he is still in Cardiff, there is nothing preventing him from leaving Cardiff, bit we are in touch with our colleagues nationally," he added.

An inquest into the death of Pc James was opened and adjourned earlier this week.

His funeral is due to take place next week.