PC David Phillips was killed in a hit-and-run as he tried to stop the stolen Mitsubishi in Wallasey

Police have released a photograph of the stolen red Mitsubishi Challenger L200 pick-up truck which knocked down and killed PC David Phillips.

PC David Phillips, pictured with his wife Jen and children Abigail and Sophie, was killed in a hit-and-run in Wallasey.

PC David Phillips "didn't stand a chance" when he was struck by the 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.

It came directly at him and a young colleague as they tried to stop it with a "stinger" device to puncture its wheels.

Sir Jon Murphy, chief constable of Merseyside, said the father of two, "did not stand a chance" as he was hit by the truck, stolen in a burglary and later found abandoned in Corbyn Street, Wallasey at 2.55am.

Colleagues of the officer tried to save his life before he was rushed to hospital, but he died shortly after arrival.

The 34-year-old officer, who joined the force in 2006, was married to his wife Jen and was father to daughters Abigail, seven, and Sophie, three.

A Home Office post-mortem examination said the officer died from internal injuries suffered in the impact with the vehicle.

Pc Phillips' death is being treated as murder and an investigation is being led by the officer's own colleagues by detectives from Merseyside force's Matrix Serious Organised Crime (MSOC) unit.

Prime Minister David Cameron, speaking to ITV news said his thoughts were with the officer's family and friends.

He said: "It is a reminder that every day, people in our police force they get up, they put on their uniform and they take extraordinary risks on our behalf.

"There's no such thing as a safe day if you are a police officer. We must get to the bottom of how this happened and get the perpetrator and ensure justice is done."

Sir Jon said police had "no idea" who was responsible and all the evidence they have currently is the abandoned car and "nothing else". But he warned his detectives were on the case and added: "We will find you."

He said Pc Phillips was a popular officer, held in high regard by his colleagues.

He added: "David's death serves as a reminder of the risks that the men and women of this force and the other forces in the UK face, in serving the public.

"They come to work, day in day out, knowing the risks they all face.

"But their wives, their husbands, their loved ones and their families expect them to come home at the end of their watch.

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

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

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

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

Pc Phillips is the first Merseyside Police officer to be killed on duty as a result of a criminal act since 1981.

The force has thanked the messages of support and condolences it has received from across the country.

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.

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

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 Monday'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".

Anyone with information is asked to call Matrix serious organised crime unit on 0800 230 0600 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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