People are taking to social media to remember the Litherland running man who "always made people smile" following the news of his death.
Pictures of David Francis first appeared on social media in 2013 as residents in Sefton posted pictures of him running in just a pair of shorts and trainers. People dubbed David the "Litherland running man" and began posting pictures of him in various locations including Crosby beach, Thornton and Blundellsands.
A Facebook page was even created to celebrate David's supreme athleticism and contempt for cold weather in September 2013 and had more than 4,000 followers. David was known for his "trademark bandage on his calf" which can be seen in the dozens of pictures posted of him.
READ MORE: 'Litherland running man' killed in hit and run by stolen Audi
David, who was in his 60s, died after being hit by a stolen Audi S8 which then crashed into the back of a house on Morgan Mews, Netherton, on the evening of Thursday, April 13. His next of kin is being supported by specialist police officers.
Tributes have been paid to the victim, in his 60s, on a GoFundMe page created by a number of residents in Netherton, with permission from David's family.
Chris Starkey said: "So sad to hear this… always made me smile when I saw him. The weather never stopped him doing what he loved. Condolences to all his family and friends."
Theresa Harris said: "Such a really sad thing to happen. He was a well known character around Netherton he will be missed. Condolences to all his family at this very sad time."
Another post on Facebook from Mo Walker-Miller said: "R.I.P Dave the Litherland running man. A true legend of the Church Road Community. Deepest symptoms to Dave's family."
At the time of publishing David's GoFundMe page has already raised £1,345 with the woman who set up the GoFundMe saying his family had thanked the public for their donations.
Immediately after the crash, detectives warned the driver of the 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."
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