Agencies/London

Police have launched a murder investigation after on-duty officer David Phillips was run over and killed by a car being pursued in Wallasey, Merseyside Police said. Police said the neighbourhood patrol officer had been deployed to assist following a burglary at an estate agent’s premises in Woodchurch Road, Birkenhead, just after 1am.
During the burglary the offenders stole a red Mitsubishi pick-up vehicle, which was spotted by a police patrol at 1.28am.
The stolen vehicle was being driven at speed and, when it was spotted by a police patrol car, a pursuit began.
The Mitsubishi was travelling along Wallasey Dock North Road in Wallasey when it mounted the central reservation where two neighbourhood officers were standing after deploying a “stop stick” - a device used by police to stop stolen cars during pursuits.
The vehicle struck Phillips and was then driven off at speed.
Colleagues carried out CPR on the 34-year-old father of two young girls at the scene of the incident and he was then taken to Arrowe Park Hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short while later.
The officer’s family has been informed and a family liaison officer is providing support.
The stolen Mitsubishi was found abandoned soon afterwards in Corbyn Street, Wallasey.
“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 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 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: “My thoughts are with all my D block colleagues. A true gentleman & friend taken far too soon.”
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.”
Detectives are examining CCTV footage in a bid to identify the offenders.
Wallasey Road North, Corbyn Street and the premises in Woodchurch Road, Birkenhead, have been cordoned off while forensic examinations are carried out.
Diversions have been put in place in Wallasey Dock Road North and Woodchurch Road, Birkenhead, and if possible motorists are asked to avoid the areas and find alternative routes.
Officers are urging anyone who has any information which could help them find those responsible and bring them to justice to come forward.