Murder investigation started after on-duty Police Officer, Constable Dave Phillips, is killed

MERSEYSIDE Police have been left in shock after an on duty Police Officer, named as Constable Dave Phillips, was killed. The incident happened early hours of Monday, 8 October 2015, folowing a burglary at an estate agents premises on Woodchurch Road, Birkenhead. During the burglary, the offenders are said to have stolen a red Mitsubishi pick up vehicle, which was spotted by a Police Patrol, at 1.28am. Merseyside Police said that:- "The stolen vehicle was being driven at speed and when it was spotted, and a pursuit was undertaken by a Patrol Car, in a bid to apprehend the offenders. The vehicle was driving along Wallasey Dock North Road, Wallasey, at about 2.08am, when it mounted the central reservation. Sadly 2 neighbourhood officers were standing on it, after deploying a stop stick in a bid to stop the car. The Mitsubishi then struck 1 of the Police Officers and was then driven off at speed. Colleagues carried out CPR on the injured officer at the scene of the incident and he was taken to:- Arrowe Park Hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short while later. The officer's family where then informed and a Family Liaison Officer was provided to offer support to them. The stolen Mitsubishi was found abandoned a short while later in Corbyn Street, Wallasey." Merseyside Police have since confirmed that the Police Officer who died was aged 34. He was married to Jen and had 2 daughters; Abigail, aged 7 and Sophie, aged 3. The Detectives investigating the murder of Constable Dave Phillips have also arrested and bail, pending further enquiries, 4 people. They are a 19 year old woman, 34 year old woman, 39 year old man and 59 year old woman, who are all from Wallasey. 

The Merseyside Police Federation have issued details of a memorial fund which has been set up in memory of Constable Dave Phillips.  If you wish to donate, there are currently 2 ways of doing so:- Online at:- JustGiving.Com or by sending a text to:- 'DAVE01' putting '£10' or another amount that you wish to give. the text should go to:- 70070 and the cash raised will go to the Dave Phillips Memorial Fund.  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."

Book of Condolence was also opened by Lord Mayor, Councillor Tony Concepcion, at Liverpool Town Hall, on Thursday, 8 October 2015. Cllr Concepcion said:- "The death of PC Phillips has shocked and appalled the whole of Merseyside and it is important people across the region are given the opportunity to pay their respects. Police officers work every single day to keep each and every one of us safe, and his death is a sad reminder of the risks that they face when they are on duty. I would urge people to come along to the Town Hall and sign the book to show solidarity with his colleagues and his family, whose loss is unimaginable."

The Book of Condolence will be available for people to sign each weekday, from 9am to 5pm until Friday, 16 October 2015. People can also email a tribute to:- Town.Hall@Liverpool.Gov.UK and it will be added, or tweet them to:- @townhallLpool.

Also anyone who has any information which could help the Police with their inquiries is asked to contact:- 0151 777 2263, or call Crimestoppers on:- 0800 555 111.