Police investigating the death of a police officer following a burglary at an estate agent have made two arrests, of an 18-year old and 30-year old man, on suspicion of murder. No charges have been brought and police are continuing to appeal for information and witnesses.
They have also released a picture of a stolen estate agent’s pick-up truck which ploughed into and killed a police officer following a burglary yesterday.
PC David Phillips, 34 and a father-of-two, died after being struck by a Mitsubishi Challenger L200 pick-up following the burglary at Oxton Estates in Birkenhead, Merseyside, shortly before 1.30am.
The pick-up was shortly afterwards spotted by police officers, who chased it as it drove through Birkenhead towards Wallasey.
PC Phillips and a colleague were sent to the Wallasey Link Road, where PC Phillips attempted to use a ‘stop stick’, a device which immobilises stolen vehicles by flattening their tyres.
The Mitsubishi then mounted the central reservation, hitting PC Phillips.
An image of the pick-up, which was found abandoned in nearby Corbyn Street, Wallasey at 2.55am, has now been released.
Speaking at a police press conference yesterday, Merseyside Police Chief Constable Sir Jon Murphy said PC Phillips “didn’t stand a chance”.
He added: “Despite the best efforts of David’s colleagues and the medical staff at the hospital, sadly he passed away. He was married to Jen and together they have two daughters, Abigail who is seven-years-old, and Sophie who is three-years-old.
“David is the first Merseyside police officer to be killed on duty as a result of a criminal act since Raymond Davenport in 1981.
“I would appeal to the individuals who are responsible for this incident to do the sensible thing, do the right thing, and give themselves up. If you don’t, we will find you.”
PC Phillips’ colleague was not hurt.
Home Secretary Theresa May said: “When a police officer falls in the line of duty, their death is a reminder of the very real dangers they face day in, day out, as they put themselves in harm’s way to deal with violent criminals and dangerous situations.”
A post mortem examination has revealed that PC Phillips died from internal injuries sustained as a result of impact.
Oxton Estates remained cordoned off yesterday and nobody was at the offices to speak to us. Police said electrical equipment was stolen during the burglary but would say no more.
Anyone with information is asked to call Merseyside Police on 0151 777 2263, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
- The Dave Phillips Memorial Fund has been set-up in memory of PC Phillips. People wishing to donate can visit a special JustGiving page here or text DAVE01 £10 (or your chosen amount) to 70070.
RIP PC David Phillips. you will not be forgotten for your bravery and ultimate sacrifice.
Just feeling sorry for his innocent children who just lost their BEST DADDY in world.
Wish the estate and letting agents industry in England would come forward and offer help and support to that family!
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incredibly sad news and thoughts are with his family.
However i must object to your comment “Wish the estate and letting agents industry in England would come forward and offer help and support to that family!”
many agents do plenty for charity and i am sure many will in this case but we are not to be singled out. Why not Mitsubishi dealers or sign writters.
Please do not try and turn this sad story into something it is not.
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I’m adding my unreserved support to that comment, smile please.
To be honest I’m really struggling with the fact that this has even been made a property related story. I appreciate that EYE’s job is to keep us up to date with industry news – and have often defended their position when individuals have moaned about this article or that story on the basis that it is relevant and is what the public are seeing pushed in front of them. THIS, however, is a headline that need not be – not the fault of EYE – but maybe an indication of how our industry is under a spotlight at the moment.
As the son of a copper I am acutely aware of the risks involved in performing their day-to-day duties – and of course they are far from alone in facing daily peril – and when the worst that can happen to me in my comfortable office is a nasty paper cut I thank my lucky stars that we have such dedicated individuals keeping our streets safe. It is tragic when such situations happen – thankfully rarely, but every occurrence is one too many.
But the ownership of the vehicle used as a weapon by the perpetrators of this sickening, meaningless crime is something to be left out of the headlines, surely?
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