Police launch murder investigation after officer killed in hit-and-run

The on-duty officer was killed with a stolen red Mitsubishi pick-up in a central reservation in Merseyside

The scene in Wallasey (Merseyside Police)

A murder investigation has been launched after an on-duty police officer was killed with a stolen pick-up truck in a hit-and-run in the earlier hours of Monday morning.

Merseyside police confirmed they were investigating the incident after the stolen red Mitsubishi pick-up, pursued by police after a burglary in Birkenhead earlier that evening, struck the officer on Wallasey Dock North Road, Wallasey, at around 2.08am.

“The Mitsubishi mounted the central reservation where two neighbourhood officers were standing after deploying a stop stick in a bid to stop the car.

“The Mitsubishi struck one of the officers and was then driven off at speed,” Merseyside police said in a statement.

Although CPR was administered to the unidentified officer at the scene, he was taken to Arrowe Park Hospital and later pronounced dead.

The car was found abandoned a short distance away in Corbyn Street, Wallasey. Detectives are examining nearby CCTV for clues.

The officer’s family have been informed.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police on 0151 777 2263 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Additional reporting by Press Association