THE police officer killed in a hit-and-run in Wallasey has been named as father-of-two Constable Dave Phillips.

A murder investigation is underway following the death of the married 34-year-old, who was struck by a stolen Mitsubishi L200 Challenger after deploying a tyre deflator stinger in a bid to bring the vehicle to a halt during a high-speed chase.

"He didn't stand a chance," said chief constable Sir Jon Murphy at a press conference today.

PC Phillips leaves behind his wife, Jen, and daughters Abigail, aged seven, and Sophie, aged three.

Sir Jon Murphy said it was an "incredibly sad day for Merseyside Police" and the second time in 12 months that he has had to sit before the media to tell them about one of his colleagues being unlawfully killed.

Merseyside Police Commissioner Jane Kennedy described it as a "dark day" for Merseyside Police.

She said: "Police officers are on the front line every single day protecting our community. It's a dark day when we lose one of our own and it's a dreadful reminder of the risks that our police officers face in keeping us all safe."

PC Phillips was standing on a central reservation when the stolen Mitsubishi L200, being pursued by police following a burglary, mounted the kerb and hit him at speed before driving off, Merseyside Police said.

His colleague - who has only been on the force for two years - is "lucky to be alive" after being able to jump out of the way.

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Forensic officers scour the scene for evidence. Picture: Paul Heaps.​

PC Phillips was given emergency first aid by colleagues and rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

The stolen car was found abandoned a short time later.

Speaking at this afternoon's press conference, chief constable Sir Jon Murphy said it is vital that witnesses come forward.

"We have got no idea who has done this. I have got every confidence we will find who has done this but that appeal for information is really important."

Chair of Merseyside Police Federation Peter Singleton said it was a "desolate day".

He described PC Phillips as a "dedicated husband and father".

Police said the neighbourhood patrol officer had been deployed to assist following a burglary at an estate agent's premises in Woodchurch Road, Birkenhead, just after 1am.

During the burglary the offenders stole a red Mitsubishi L200 Challenger - branded with the estate agent's livery - which was spotted by a police patrol at 1.28am.

Officers then went in pursuit – resulting in a 40 minute chase.

At 2.08am, the Mitsubishi was being driven along Wallasey Dock North Road when it appeared to deliberately mount the central reservation where PC Phillips and a colleague were standing after throwing down a tyre deflator.

 

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Corbyn Street, where the Mitsubishi pick-up was found abandoned.

Colleagues carried out CPR on PC Phillips at the scene of the incident and he was then taken to Arrowe Park Hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short while later.

The stolen Mitsubishi was found abandoned soon afterwards in Corbyn Street, Wallasey.

Detectives are examining CCTV footage in a bid to identify the offenders.

Wallasey Road North, Corbyn Street and the premises in Woodchurch Road, Birkenhead, have been cordoned off while forensic examinations are carried out.

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Police outside Oxton Estates on Woodchurch Road, where the Mitsubishi was stolen from.

Diversions have been put in place in Wallasey Dock Road North and Woodchurch Road, Birkenhead, and if possible motorists are asked to avoid the areas and find alternative routes.

Officers are urging anyone who has any information which could help them find those responsible and bring them to justice to come forward.

Following the shocking incident, Wirral Council leader Phil Davies said: "We absolutely condemn the murder of this neighbourhood patrol officer, killed during the course of their duties.

"As a council, we will do whatever we can to assist the police in their efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.

"I would like to extend our sympathies to the family and friends of the officer, and of course colleagues, who will be feeling the loss of one of their own very deeply this morning."

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Angela Eagle, MP for Wallasey, said: "I was shocked and saddened to learn of the death of the police officer who was killed in Wallasey earlier this morning.

"He died doing his job of keeping the public safe and my thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.

"I know that the local community will work together with the police to ensure that those responsible for this terrible crime are apprehended and brought to justice.

"Anyone with any information should contact Merseyside police immediately.”

NATIONAL GRIEF FOR CONSTABLE PHILLIPS

Hundreds of people have expressed their shock and grief on social media.

Scores of emergency services personnel and members of the public have expressed condolences on Twitter using the hashtag #999family in response to the fatal incident.

Lucy Parrott, an ambulance dispatcher for West Midland's Ambulance Service wrote: "Heartbreaking news about Mersey Police this morning.

Thoughts with them and ambulance colleagues that tried to save the officer."

A user known as @HertsMedic999 said: "RIP to our police friends, the thin blue line gets a little thinner with every tragedy."

Chief Constable for Surrey police Lynne Owens said: "Awful news from Merseyside police. Sending heartfelt thoughts to family, friends and colleagues from all Surrey Police."

The Road Policing Unit (RPU) of West Yorkshire Police tweeted: "Tragic news felt by everybody in our office. The true danger of stinger deployment and pursuits."

Mike Tonge, former deputy chief constable of Merseyside Police, told BBC News officers would "pull together" during what is a "very difficult time".

"Police will be feeling pain for the officer and his family, but people will pull together and get through this," he said.

"Sadly the driver of this car has been so reckless that he's taken the life of a police officer.

"Undoubtedly a review will take place to look at all the procedures for how this event has come to pass."

Anyone who has any information which could help the police with their inquiries is asked to contact 0151 777 2263, or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.

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