Murdered police officer 'didn't stand a chance' in Merseyside hit and run

A married police officer and father of two young girls has died after being mown down by a stolen pick-up truck in a hit and run early on Monday.

Pc David Phillips "didn't stand a chance" when the stolen Mitsubishi, being pursued by police following a burglary, mounted the kerb and hit him at speed as he stood in the central reservation in Merseyside .

The 34-year-old officer was rushed to hospital after his colleagues carried out CPR at the scene, but he died a short time later. His death is being treated as murder.

Sir Jon Murphy, the chief constable of Merseyside Police, admitted they had no idea who killed Pc Phillips but warned them to hand themselves in, adding: "Or we will find you."

David Cameron described it as "a tragic and awful case".

Pc Phillips had served with the force for nine years and was described as a "respected and truly exceptional officer".

He was married and he and his wife, Jen, had two girls, Abigail, aged seven, and three-year-old Sophie.

The hit and run happened when the red Mitsubishi Challenger drove directly at Pc Phillips in Wallasey, Wirral, as he and a colleague tried to stop the vehicle using a stinger device to puncture its tyres.

"The Mitsubishi vehicle mounted the central reservation, drove directly at the officers down the central reservation and hit Constable Phillips," Sir Jon said. "He did not stand a chance.

"This is an incredibly sad day for Merseyside Police."

The stolen vehicle was found abandoned in nearby Corbyn Street, Wallasey, a short time later.

Pc Phillips' death is the first of an on-duty police officer in Merseyside for 34 years.

In 1981 Pc Raymond Davenport was also killed trying to stop a stolen car in Liverpool city centre.

Sir Jon added: "David's death serves as a reminder of the risks that the men and women of this police force, and other police forces of the UK, face every day.

"Their wives, husbands and other family expect them to come home at he end of their watch, and sadly, David did not and his daughters will have to grow up without their father."

Forensic teams have been examining the estate agents where the burglary took place and the scene of the collision, as well as CCTV footage, in a bid to track down the officer's killer.

Hundreds have expressed their shock and grief online following the incident and floral tributes have been left at the scene.

The Prime Minister told ITV Granada Reports: "My thoughts go out to David Phillips' family and friends.

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

Merseyside police and crime commissioner Jane Kennedy said "today is a day of mourning for the entire police family".

She said: "It's a dark day when you lose one of our own.

"And it's a painful reminder of the risks police officers face to keep us all safe."

The chair of Merseyside Police Federation said the force has lost a "respected and truly exceptional officer".

Peter Singleton told a press conference: "His young children have been robbed of a father, his wife Jen deprived of a husband and his parents their son.

"He colleagues and friends have lost a truly exceptional officer. He was one of the best and will always be missed."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call 0800 230 0600 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.