Merseyside police officer killed in hit and run while trying to stop stolen vehicle

A murder investigation has been launched after a Merseyside police officer was killed by a car being pursued in Wallasey in Wirral. The officer was struck down by a red Mitsubishi pickup vehicle after it mounted the central reservation at Wallasey Dock North Road, Wallasey, at about 2.08am on 5 October.

The neighbourhood patrol officer had been deployed to assist following a burglary at an estate agent's premises on Woodchurch Road, Birkenhead, just after 1am that morning. During the burglary, the suspects stole the vehicle which was spotted by a police patrol car being driven at high speed. A pursuit was then undertaken in a bid to apprehend the offenders.

The Mitsubishi mounted the central reservation where two neighbourhood officers were standing after deploying a stop stick in a bid to halt the vehicle before striking one of the officers and driving off. The officer was taken to Arrowe Park Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The stolen Mitsubishi was found abandoned a in Corbyn Street, Wallasey.

A Merseyside Police spokesperson said: "An investigation in to the murder of the officer 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.