Heartbreaking tributes left for fallen policeman David Phillips who died following hit-and-run in Wallasey

Floral tributes left at the scene of the fatal hit-and-run in Wallasey bring a tear to the eye.

Many have been left by fellow police officers.

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One poignant message reads: "If I can be a fraction of the bobby you were then I'll be a proud, proud man. To the most polite, gentle giant you're ever likely to meet, sleep tight."

Another says: "You were everything you'd want a bobby to be. You were 'D' block. You will be sadly missed."

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.

Flower tributes in Wallasey near to where Pc David Phillips was mown down and killed by a driver in a stolen car. Picture: William Griffiths/PA Wire

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.

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.

A mother and her child place flowers at the scene in Wallasey. Picture: William Griffiths/PA Wire

Flower tributes in Wallasey near to where Pc David Phillips was mown down and killed by a driver in a stolen car. Picture: William Griffiths/PA Wire

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."

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.

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

Tributes in Wallasey near to where Pc David Phillips was mown down and killed by a driver in a stolen car. Picture: William Griffiths/PA Wire

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

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

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

Floral tributes at the scene. Picture by Paul Heaps.

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.

• This story has since developed. For the latest updates, click here.