TRIBUTES are continuing to pour in for fallen police officer David Phillips, who was killed in a hit-and-run in Wallasey on Monday.

A memorial fund set up by Merseyside Police Federation to support PC Phillips' young family has already raised close to £3,000 - less than 24 hours after it was set up - while a separate page set up by a member of the public has raised £3,400.

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

Donations have flooded in to the two fundraising pages to help his wife Jen and daughters Abigail, aged seven, and Sophie, aged three.

Federation chairman Peter Singleton said: "We are all devastated by the loss of one of our members, Constable 6554 David Phillips.

"We send our deepest condolences to Dave’s wife Jen, and daughters Abigail and Sophie, as well as other family, colleagues and friends.

"Dave was unlawfully killed whilst on duty on Monday 5 October 2015. We set up a memorial fund in his honour.

RELATED STORIES

"The entire Police Family is in mourning at his death, and this memorial fund enables people to donate in Dave's memory. He was simply doing his job.

"Feel free to donate to this very worthwhile cause." 

A Facebook page has also been set up for the fallen officer.

Heart-warming messages have been left on the 'RIP David Phillips PC killed in the line of duty' page for 34-year-old PC Phillips, who was killed in Wallasey in the early hours of Monday morning after being knocked down by a stolen pick-up truck.

The page is calling on people to show their support for PC Phillips and his family by meeting at Fort Perch Rock on Wednesday night.

Mandy Fellows, who set up the page, said: "We’re meeting at about 7pm to let off lanterns, balloons, light candles in memory of David.

“It seems to be a very welcome thing and lots are seeming to be in attendance.

"We thought it would be wonderful for everyone to get together to show our support and heartfelt sympathy to David and his family after this tragic act by a person who needs to be caught.

"This wonderful officer went to work leaving his wife and children expecting to return and now he will not, I cannot imagine how they feel or his fellow officers.

"We all just need to get together and light a candle for him, to show how much we appreciate what these men and women do day in day out and to remember PC David Phillips."

A Book of Condolence has been opened for PC Phillips at Wallasey Town Hall.

Among those signing this morning will be council leader Phil Davies.

Wirral Globe:
Police officers bring floral tributes to the scene in Wallasey North Road. Picture: Billy Griffiths/PA Wire

He said: “It is important we show solidarity with the family and colleagues of PC Phillips, who died protecting the public.

“As a council, we will continue to 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.”

The book will be open for signing from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, at Wallasey Town Hall, Brighton Street, Wallasey.

Union Flag flying at half-mast outside Wallasey Town Hall in memory of PC David Phillips

Wirral Globe:

Wirral Globe:
Wirral Council leader Phil Davies signs the Book of Condolence at Wallasey Town Hall.

Wirral Globe: Signing the Book of Condolence at Wallasey Town Hall.

Wirral Globe:

Message left in the Book of Condolence at Wallasey Town Hall.

Wirral Globe:
Police officers bring floral tributes to the scene in Wallasey North Road. Picture: Billy Griffiths/PA Wire

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 "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.

Wirral Globe:
Floral tributes at the scene. Picture by Paul Heaps.

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

The stolen car was found abandoned a short time later in Corbyn Street.

Speaking at 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".

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.

  • Anyone with information is asked to call Matrix serious organised crime unit on 0800 230 0600 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
     
  • If you wish to donate, visit ​ http://campaign.justgiving.com/charity/mpfct/dave or or text DAVE01 £10 (or your amount) to 70070 to the Dave Phillips Memorial Fund
  • This story has since developed. For the latest updates, click here.