PC David Phillips: Two arrested in connection with murder of Merseyside Police officer

Two people have been arrested in Merseyside in connection with the death of on-duty police officer David Phillips, who was killed by a stolen vehicle in a hit and run. The father-of-two died after he was hit by a red Mitsubishi Challenger L200 while attempting to stop the car using a "stinger" device at the central reservation at Wallasey Dock North Road, Wirral.

Phillips, the first on-duty Merseyside Police officer to be killed since 1981, died from internal injuries sustained as a result of impact. 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.

Two men, aged 18 and 30, from the Oxton and Wallasey areas of Wirral, .have now been arrested in connection with the murder of the officer. Officers also executed four warrants in the Oxton and Wallasey areas as part of the investigation.

Detectives are still appealing for anyone who saw the red Mitsubishi pick-up between 1.12am, when the burglary occurred in Woodchurch Road, and 2.55am, when it was found abandoned in Corbyn Street, to come forward.

Elsewhere, Merseyside Police Federation has set up a memorial fund for the 34-year-old, which has already raised more than £8,000. Federation chairman Peter Singleton said: "We are all devastated by the loss of one of our members, Constable 6554 David Phillips. We send our deepest condolences to Dave's wife Jen, and daughters Abigail and Sophie, as well as other family, colleagues and friends.

"Dave was unlawfully killed whilst on duty on Monday 5 October 2015. We set up a memorial fund in his honour. The entire Police Family is in mourning at his death, and this memorial fund enables people to donate in Dave's memory. He was simply doing his job. Feel free to donate to this very worthwhile cause."

Anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious or who has any other information that could help the police investigation should call Merseyside Police on 0800 230 0600 or leave information anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.