Murder Probe After Police Officer Hit By Car

A manhunt is launched after a truck involved in a high-speed car chase smashed into an officer after he deployed a stinger device.Police were pursuing a burglary suspect in a red Mitsubishi pick-up which mounted a central reservation and struck the officer.He and another policeman were standing on the reservation after placing a 'stop stick' - a device used to bring vehicles to a halt during chases - in the road. 

The spot where the stolen car was found abandonedThe driver of the Mitsubishi sped off immediately afterwards.CPR was carried out on the officer before he was taken to Arrowe Park Hospital where he later died.

  How A Police Stop Stick Is Deployed

The vehicle, which was stolen during a burglary at an estate agents in Birkenhead early in the morning, was found abandoned in Corbyn Street, Wallasey.Stunned colleagues have been paying tribute to the unnamed officer on Facebook.One wrote: "My thoughts are with all my D block colleagues. A true gentleman & friend taken far to soon."
Another lamented: "Absolutely heartbroken at the loss of a lovely, brave colleague - when will the public wake up and appreciate what they give day in and day out for them, sometimes the ultimate sacrifice to keep you and your families safe."
Scores of emergency services personnel and members of the public have offered their condolences on Twitter using the hashtag #999family.
They include Surrey Police Chief Constable Lynne Owens who said: "Awful news from Merseyside Police. Sending heartfelt thoughts to family, friends and colleagues from all Surrey Police."
Lucy Parrott, an ambulance 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."

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Gallery: Police Officers Killed In The Line Of Duty

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Gallery: Police Officers Killed In The Line Of Duty

Sky's North of England Correspondent Mike McCarthy, at the scene, said: "People have already started laying flowers at the spot where the officer was run over as the Merseyside force comes to terms with the loss of one of its officers."
Merseyside Police said in a statement: "An investigation in to the murder of the officer has been launched and detectives are examining CCTV footage in a bid to identify the offenders.
"Wallasey Road North, Corbyn Street and the premises on Woodchurch Road, Birkenhead, have been cordoned off whilst forensic examinations are carried out by Crime Scene Investigators."
Diversions have also been put in place in Wallasey Road North and Woodchurch Road, and motorists are asked to avoid the area if possible.
Police are urging anyone with information which could help their investigation to come forward.

Source:skynews