Hit-And-Run Cop Killer Warned: We'll Find You

A police officer knocked down and killed by a stolen pick-up truck "didn't stand a chance", his chief constable has said.

PC David Phillips was standing on a central reservation when the red Mitsubishi, being pursued by police following a burglary, mounted the kerb and hit him at speed before driving off.

Constable Phillips and a colleague were waiting on the reservation after placing a 'stop stick' - a device used to puncture a vehicle's tyres - in the road.

The 34-year-old father of two young girls was given emergency first aid by colleagues and rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

A Home Office post-mortem examination said he died from internal injuries.

His death is being treated as murder and Prime Minister David Cameron said the perpetrator must be caught to "ensure justice is done".

He added: "It is a reminder that every day people in our police force, they get up, they put on their uniform and they take extraordinary risks on our behalf. There’s no such thing as a safe day if you're a police officer."

The vehicle, which was stolen during a burglary at an estate agents in Birkenhead early in the morning, was later found abandoned in Wallasey.

Police said all the evidence they have at this point is the vehicle.

"He didn't stand a chance," said chief constable Sir Jon Murphy, who urged the driver and the other occupant of the Mitsubishi to do the "sensible thing" and give themselves up.

"If you don't - we will find you," he warned.

Sir Jon said PC Phillips joined Merseyside Police in 2006 and was "popular and held in high regard" by his colleagues.

He said everyone's thoughts were with his wife and children and his mother and father, adding: "This is an incredibly sad day for Merseyside Police."

Sir Jon said PC Phillips is the first Merseyside Police officer to be killed on duty as a result of a criminal act since 1981.

Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Kennedy's voice broke with emotion when she spoke to journalists at the force HQ in Liverpool.

She said: "Today is a day of mourning for the entire police family.

"Police officers are on the front line every single day protecting our communities.

"It's a dark day when you lose one of our own and it's a painful reminder of the risks police officers face to keep us all safe."

Stunned colleagues have paid tribute to PC Phillips on Facebook.

One wrote: "R.I.P Dave. It was always a pleasure to see your smile & dry sense of humour. The night sky has gained a very bright star."

Another lamented: "Absolutely heartbroken at the loss of a lovely, brave colleague."

Scores of emergency services personnel and members of the public have offered their condolences on Twitter using the hashtag #999family.

Lucy Parrott, a dispatcher for West Midland's Ambulance Service, wrote: "Heartbreaking news about Mersey Police this morning. Thoughts with them and ambulance colleagues that tried to save the officer."

Sky's North of England Correspondent Mike McCarthy, at the scene, said floral tributes have been laid at the spot where PC Phillips was killed.

Police said in a statement a murder investigation has been launched and detectives are examining CCTV footage and forensic evidence in a bid to identify the offenders.

They say they have little to go on at present and are urging anyone with information to call Matrix serious organised crime unit on 0800 230 0600 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.