PC David Phillips: Image of vehicle used to kill Merseyside Police officer in hit-and-run

Merseyside police have released an image of the red Mitsubishi pick-up vehicle which was used to knock down and kill on-duty officer PC David Phillips. The father-of-two was killed in a hit-and-run involving a stolen vehicle in the early hours of 5 October.

A post-mortem revealed the 34-year-old died from internal injuries after being struck by the vehicle while attempting to stop the car using a 'stinger' device at the central reservation at Wallasey Dock North Road, Wirral.

A murder investigation has now been launched to find those responsible for driving into the "highly competent and popular" officer, who became the first Merseyside police officer to be killed on duty since 1981.

Merseyside Police chief constable Sir Jon Murphy described how Phillips "didn't stand a chance" after the car mounted the kerb and struck the officer down. He was taken to Arrowe Park Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

As part of the investigation, police are asking if anyone saw the Mitsubishi between 1:12am when it was stolen from Woodchurch Road in Birkenhead and when it was later found abandoned in in Corbyn Street, Wallasey at 2:55am.

Peter Singleton, chairman of Merseyside Police Federation, describe the death of Phillips as a "desolate day" for the force. He added: "Dave Phillips will be a huge loss to his family, friends and colleagues. He was an enthusiastic officer. We are supporting his family at this tragic time. His colleagues are understandably devastated at his death and we are supporting them.

Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Kennedy added: "Police officers are on the front line every day protecting our communities. It is a dark day. PC Phillips went to work to serve the people of Merseyside, his family could never expect that he'd never return home. My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with David's family, friends and colleagues.