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PC Dave Phillips Memorial Fund Reaches £130,000

PC Dave Phillips Memorial Fund Reaches £130,000

A fund set up in memory of a police officer killed after being hit by a stolen pick-up truck has received more than £130,000 in donations.

A message on the PC Dave Phillips fundraising website states his family have been touched by the messages of sympathy and support they have received since his death.

"Large numbers have contacted us wishing to make a donation to support Dave's family," it reads.

"We have been touched and heartened by the messages of sympathy and support we have received from all over the United Kingdom and beyond.

"Dave's family will decide how the fund will be spent and the fund will be independently audited by Kinsella Clarke Chartered Accountants.

"Every donation received from any source will be transferred to Dave's memorial fund.

"The entire Police Family is in mourning at his death, and this memorial fund enables people to donate in Dave's memory."

PC Phillips, a father of two, died following a burglary at a sales and letting agency in Birkenhead in which the pick-up truck was stolen.

After a 40-minute police pursuit, PC Phillips and a colleague tried to use a "stinger" device to stop the vehicle, which mounted a central reservation and hit the officer, before speeding off.

PC Phillips' family spoke at a news conference on Wednesday in which they described the tragedy as a "sickening, gut-wrenching mess".

One of his sisters, Hannah Whieldon, said: "Dave wasn't just a family man, he was the glue that bound all the families we represent here today.

Clayton Ronald Williams, from Wallasey has also been charged with attempted wounding of another officer, burglary and aggravated, unauthorised taking of a motor vehicle.

A second man, 30-year-old Phillip Stuart from Oxton, has been charged with aggravated unauthorised taking of a motor vehicle and burglary.