Hit-And-Run Officer's Family: He Was Our World

The family of a police officer knocked down and killed by a stolen truck have said his death is "a pain that won't stop" and their world is a "little darker".

PC Dave Phillips, a father of two, was standing on a central reservation when a red Mitsubishi Challenger mounted the kerb and hit him at speed before driving off.

One of his sisters, Hannah Whieldon, described the tragedy as a "sickening, gut-wrenching mess".

She told a news conference: "Dave wasn't just a family man, he was the glue that bound all the families we represent here today.

"Every day he strived and strived to make the perfect life for his wife, and his little girls. But now nothing will ever be even close to perfect again."

She added: "All we have are hollow memories that can't be held, or hugged, or kissed and a pain that won't stop."

His youngest sister, Kate Phillips, called him her "hero", adding: "He meant so much to so many people. He was our world.

"And our world has become a little darker for us and all that knew him."

His best friend David George said: "Many of his fellow colleagues have asked me to put on record that he was one of best officers that they had worked with.

"He never backed down from a job but he was well aware of the risks he faced and never complained."

PC Phillips' wife Jen, 28, did not speak at the news conference but hours earlier she and their daughters visited the spot where he died on Monday.

Mrs Phillips and Abigail, seven, and Sophie, three, led a large group of family and friends paying their respects at the scene in Wallasey, Merseyside.

Abigail left a bouquet of roses and a message which read: "Daddy, I love you so much, you are the best daddy in the whole wide world, you are my hero! I will miss you. XXX Love Abigail XXXXX."

A message from Sophie read: "Daddy, my hero, my super daddy, my world. I love you so much. I will miss our cuddles, tickles, giggles and smiles. I love you lots and lots. Your little princess Sophie x x x x x."

Mrs Phillips left her own bouquet of white lilies with a photo of the couple from their wedding day.

Her message read: "Dave, my poo Bear! I can't believe you've been taken away from me, you are my everything and I have no idea how I am going to carry on with you not by my side.

"I love you with every inch of my heart and will miss you so so much, Your Mrs XXXXX."

The two children have also paid tribute in a video to the "best daddy in the world".

Six people have been arrested by police investigating their colleague's death.

Two men, aged 18 and 30, from the Oxton and Wallasey areas of Wirral are being held on suspicion of murder and are being questioned by detectives.

Three women, aged 19 and 34 and 59, and a 39-year-old man have also been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

PC Phillips was knocked down as he and a colleague were waiting after placing a 'stop stick' - a device used to puncture a vehicle's tyres - in the road.

A memorial fund has been set up in memory of the father-of-two.

Investigators are continuing to appeal for anyone with information to come forward - and have spoken to a taxi driver who claims he took a fare from one of the suspects .

:: Anyone with information should call police on 0151 777 2263, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.