Merseyside Police/PA WireA murder investigation has been launched after a Merseyside police officer was killed in a hit and run incident this morning.
PC David Phillips, 34, was hit by a stolen car while standing on a central reservation in Wallasey at around 2am today.
The married father-of-two was attempting to stop the vehicle, when the driver suddenly mounted the kerb and struck him at speed before driving away. The car, taken from an estate agents in Birkenhead, was found abandoned a short time later.
Merseyside Police/PA WirePC Phillips received emergency medical care at the scene and was rushed to hospital, but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Merseyside Police Chief Constable Sir Jon Murphy paid tribute to Mr Phillips, who was married to Jen and the father of Abigail, seven, and Sophie, three.
He said:
This is an incredibly sad day for Merseyside Police. His daughters will have to grow up without their father. He didn’t stand a chance.
Billy Griffiths/PA WireHe also urged the driver of the red Mitsubishi that hit the constable to give themselves up.
He added:
Do the sensible thing, do the right thing and give yourselves up. If you don’t, we will find you. We’ve got no idea who has done this. We have an abandoned vehicle and at this moment we have nothing left.
Tributes to PC Phillips have also poured in on Twitter using the #999family hashtag.
Our thoughts are with the family, colleagues & friends of the @MerseyPolice officer who sadly died last night. #999family
— WMAS (@OFFICIALWMAS) October 5, 2015
Awful news from @MerseyPolice. Sending heartfelt thoughts to family, friends & colleagues from all @SurreyPolice
— Lynne Owens (@NCA_LynneOwens) October 5, 2015
My thoughts today are with the family and friends of PC Dave Phillips. Awful news, RIP. #999family
— Sgt Marcus Wall (@SgtMarcusWall) October 5, 2015
#999family Thoughts & Condolences with family & friends of David , as the father of PC I know your daily worries X
— Tony (@bottyy) October 5, 2015
#999family my heart goes out to the family who lost their loved one. 2 young children now without a father ?
— Niggle (@Smirc_) October 5, 2015
Our thoughts are with friends, family & colleagues of #PCDavidPhillips mercilessly killed while doing his job @MerseyPolice #999family
— Mat (@RealMattBright) October 5, 2015
Heartbreaking news about @MerseyPolice this morning. Thoughts with them & ambulance colleagues that tried to save the officer #999family
— Lucy Parrott (@wmaslparrott) October 5, 2015
PC David Phillips may you rest in peace.Thoughts with your friends, family and those @MerseyPolice xx#999family pic.twitter.com/wGtfaHCyDS
— Trafficbird (@samsparkes999) October 5, 2015
Officers are urging witnesses or anyone with information to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
