A manhunt is continuing for the driver of a stolen pick-up truck that struck and killed a police officer as he attempted to stop the vehicle.

PC David Phillips, 34, died from internal injuries after he was hit by a Mitsubishi Challenger which was being pursued by police on Monday.

An image of the vehicle, which was stolen during an earlier burglary, has been released.

Merseyside Police said it was treating Mr Phillips’ death as a murder.

The father-of-two had been responding to reports of a burglary at an estate agents on Woodchurch Road, Birkenhead. He and a colleague had been attempting to stop the vehicle using a tyre-puncturing “stinger” device when it mounted a central reservation in Wallasey at 02:10 BST.
Fellow officers tried to save his life before he was rushed to hospital, but he died shortly after arrival. The red pick-up was found abandoned in Corbyn Street, Wallasey, at 02:55.

Chief Constable Sir Jon Murphy said PC Phillips “did not stand a chance” as he was hit. Police had “no idea” who was responsible, Sir John said, and the only evidence so far was the abandoned car. Peter Singleton, chairman of Merseyside Police Federation, said PC Phillips’ colleagues were “understandably devastated”. “He was one of the best and will always be missed,” he said.

Mr Singleton added: “There is a steely determination to get on with the job, not only to bring the perpetrators of this terrible crime to justice but also to carry on serving the people of Merseyside to make sure there’s no break in the kind of police service that they deserve and expect.”

The federation has set up a memorial fund in tribute to PC Phillips. Meanwhile, a flag was flying at half mast at Wallasey Town Hall, where a book of condolence has been opened. Wirral councillor Phil Davies said: “It is important we show solidarity with the family and colleagues of PC Phillips, who died protecting the public.”