PC Dave Phillips: Clayton Williams appears in court accused of murdering Merseyside Police officer

A man has appeared in court accused of murdering Merseyside Police officer PC Dave Phillips in a hit-and-run incident in the Wirral. Clayton Williams, 18, of Wallasey, is accused of burglary, stealing a red Mitsubishi Challenger L200 and driving it into the father-of-two during a police chase. Phillips, the first on-duty Merseyside Police officer to be killed since 1981, died from internal injuries sustained as a result of impact.

The teenager is also accused of am attempted section 18 wounding against PC Neil Birkett, who managed to jump out of the way as the stolen vehicle drove up the central reservation at Wallasey Dock North Road and hit Phillips.

Williams confirmed his name and address during the short appearance at Wirral Magistrates' Court. He was remanded in custody until his next appearance at Liverpool Crown Court on 9 October for a bail hearing.

A second suspect Phillip Stuart, 30, of Oxton, who is accused of charged with aggravated unauthorised taking of a motor vehicle and burglary, also appeared at the same court. He was remanded until 22 October.

Three women, aged 19, 34 and 59, and a 39-year old man, who were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, have all been released on bail pending further inquiries.

Elsewhere, the Merseyside Police Federation has set up a memorial fund for the later 34-year-old, which has already raised more than £85,000. Federation chairman Peter Singleton said: "We are all devastated by the loss of one of our members, Constable 6554 David Phillips. We send our deepest condolences to Dave's wife Jen, and daughters Abigail and Sophie, as well as other family, colleagues and friends."