A man who was killed after being hit by a stolen Audi has been named as David Francis.
David died after being hit by a stolen Audi S8 that crashed into the back of a house on Morgan Mews, Netherton, on the evening of Thursday, April 13. Tributes have been paid to the victim, in his 60s, who is known locally as the "Litherland running man".
David was known for running around the Sefton area, often in shorts, no matter how cold the weather was. His next of kin is now being supported by specialist police officers.
READ MORE: Warning to driver of stolen Audi who killed man and crashed into house
Immediately after the crash, detectives warned the driver of a car that "it's only a matter of time before we find you and arrest you." The driver of the Audi S8 which killed David ran from the scene before police were able to speak to him.
Officers said he ran away down Swifts Lane in the direction of St Bernard’s Drive. They said it is also likely that he suffered injuries during the crash.
In the run up to the incident, officers believe the Audi S8 was stolen in a burglary in the early hours of Thursday, April 13, in the Harrison Drive area of Rainford. The suspects may have travelled to the Rainford area in a grey Audi Q2 which was stolen in a previous burglary in the Caithness Drive area of Crosby, also during the early hours of Thursday.
The Audi Q2 was later recovered by police in Rainford. Detective chief inspector Andy McCourt said: "This is truly a horrific incident in which an innocent member of the public has been tragically killed by a stolen car. The driver of the car has then made off on foot. I am today appealing to that driver do the right thing and hand themselves in to police.
"It is only a matter of time before we find you and arrest you. The family and friends of the man who was killed have been left devastated by their loss and I am determined that we will get justice for them.
"If anyone in the community who knows who that person is or have any information I would urge them to come forward. I would also appeal for any witnesses who may have CCTV, dash cam or doorbell footage in the area of the collision or in the areas of Caithness Drive and Harrison Drive to please come forward and assist us.
"Witnesses are asked to contact our Matrix Serious Collision Investigation Unit on (0151) 777 5747, email SCIU@merseyside.police.uk, or DM @MerPolCC on Twitter quoting reference 23000314332. You can also call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously."
READ NEXT: Thomas Cashman 'rode around Dovecot on day of Queen's funeral to intimidate witnesses'
Spaghetti thief, pub gunman and murderer among 13 crooks jailed this week
Prolific criminal says 'sound' after avoiding jail for assaulting girlfriend
Single mum in fear and excitement after Zoom call with Channel 4
Aldi shoppers praise 'sturdy' £12 laundry basket that 'looks lovely'
