Murder Investigation Launched Following Police Officer Death

A murder investiagtion has been launched after a Merseyside Police officer has been killed in a hit and run.

The officer, who has been named as 34-year-old Dad of two David Phillips was on duty at the time. He had been called out to a burglary at an estate agents in Wallasey just after 1am. During the burglary, a red Mitsubishi pick-up vehicle was stolen.

It was spotted by a police patrol at 1.28am and a high speed chase followed along Wallasey Dock North Road, Wallasey.

At about 2.08am, The Mitsubishi mounted the central reservation where two neighbourhood officers were standing in a bid to stop the car. The Mitsubishi hit one of the officers, before speeding away from the scene. Colleagues carried out CPR on the injured officer at the scene of the incident and he was taken to Arrowe Park Hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short while later. The officer’s family has been informed and a Family Liaison Officer is providing support. The stolen Mitsubishi was found abandoned a short while later in Corbyn Street, Wallasey.

Watch our report from the scene below

An investigation in to the murder of the PC David Phillips has been launched and detectives are examining CCTV footage in a bid to identify the offenders. Wallasey Road North, Corbyn Street and the premises on Woodchurch Road, Birkenhead, have been cordoned off whilst forensic examinations are carried out by Crime Scene Investigators. Diversions have been put in place at Wallasey Road North and Woodchurch Road, Birkenhead, and if possible motorists are asked to avoid the area 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. 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.

Listen to Chief Constable Jon Murphy give his reaction to the news below

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