Police name officer murdered in Wirral hit-and-run

He had been standing on a central reservation when the stolen vehicle mounted the kerb and hit him at speed before driving off.

PC Phillips received emergency medical care at the scene and was rushed to hospital, however he later was pronounced dead shortly after arriving.

It released a photograph of the red Mitsubishi pick-up truck, stolen during a burglary in Woodchurch Road, Birkenhead, at around 1am on Monday and, following the collision with Pc Phillips, found abandoned in Corbyn Street, Wallasey at 2.55am.

Chief constable Murphy appealed for help from the public, saying he was confident of catching the people responsible.

A Merseyside Police spokesperson said: “An investigation in to the murder of the officer has been launched and detectives are examining CCTV footage in a bid to identify the offenders”.

He said everyone’s thoughts were with his wife and children and his mother and father, adding: “This is an incredibly sad day for Merseyside Police”.

PC Phillips, dad to Abigail, aged seven and Sophie, aged three, was hit by a Mitsubishi pick up truck in the early hours of this morning as he took part in efforts to stop burglary suspects being chased by police.

The policeman killed was one of two neighbourhood patrol officers who made efforts to stop the auto, police said.

Lone white roses wrapped in blue ribbon were brought to the scene by many of PC Phillips’ Merseyside Police colleagues. ‘They come to work, day in day out, knowing the risks they all face.

“Sadly, David did not and his daughters will have to grow up without their father”.

“It’s a dark day when you lose one of our own and it’s a painful reminder of the risks police officers face to keep us all safe”.

Peter Singleton, the chairman of the Merseyside Police Federation, pledged support for PC Phillip’s family and colleagues over the coming months.

A police presence remained outside Oxton Estates in Woodhouse Road, where the Mitsubishi was stolen.

Residents said the vehicle was usually parked outside the sales and letting shop and had stickers advertising the business.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police on 0151 777 2263 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.