PC Neil Doyle
Police in Germany have arrested Timmy Donovan (l), who was wanted in connection with the murder of PC Neil Doyle Merseyside Police

30-year-old Timmy Donovan, wanted in connection with the murder of off-duty policeman Neil Doyle in Liverpool before Christmas, has been arrested in Germany.

Donovan, also known as Timmy O'Sullivan, from Huyton, Merseyside was arrested by German police at Dusseldorf airport as he attempted to board a UK-bound plane.

Neil was very well loved by all of his family, friends and colleagues and it is a great loss to us all
- Neil's widow Sarah Jane

Donovan had been made the subject of a European Arrest Warrant after leaving the UK via Eurotunnel on the same day PC Doyle died. A Crimewatch appeal had been due to be broadcast on BBC One this evening.

PC Doyle was having a night out with friends in Liverpool City Centre on 19th December when the incident occurred in Colquitt Street. According to Chief Constable Sir Jon Murphy "the men were subject to an apparently unprovoked and vicious attack by a group of males."

A post-mortem concluded Doyle died from fatal bleeding around the brain. Fellow officers Michael Steventon and Robert Marshall were treated for facial injuries in hospital and released.

colquitt st
The attack occurred in the Colquitt St area of Liverpool on 19th December Google Maps

PC Doyle had married long-term partner Sarah Jane in July and was a few days away from going on honeymoon. Following her husband's death Sarah Jane said: "Neil was very well loved by all of his family, friends and colleagues and it is a great loss to us all. We are finding it extremely difficult to come to terms with what has happened and need time to be left to grieve."

Two other men, 28-year-old Andrew Taylor of Huyton and 30-year-old Christopher Spendlove of Stockbridge Village, have appeared in court accused of murder and causing grievous bodily harm. They will stand trial at Liverpool Crown Court later this year.

Spendlove and Taylor were reportedly friends who became footballers in the US, playing for Austin Aztex managed by former Everton player Adrian Heath. Taylor also played for US sides Portland Phoenix, Wilmington Hammerheads and Oklahoma City Energy FC. Spendlove returned to the UK where he played for non-league Forest Green Rovers, Burscough FC and Vauxhall Motors.

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