Tributes have been paid to a man who was killed after being hit by a stolen Audi in Netherton.
David Francis died after being hit by an Audi S8 that had been stolen earlier that day, on Thursday, April 13, from in the Harrison Drive area of Rainford. The 63-year-old was hit and killed before the driver crashed into the back of a house on Morgan Mews.
The driver ran from the scene in the direction of Swifts Lane and St Bernard’s Drive. Officers say it is also likely that he suffered injuries during the crash.
READ MORE: Man, 20, who died in tree crash named locally as 'beautiful soul' Chris
David was known for running around the Sefton area and was branded "Litherland running man." Locals would often see him running long distances around the area, often in shorts, no matter how cold the weather was.
In a touching tribute on Facebook, Chris Campbell said: "Whenever we’d be out in the car I’d always be looking out for him saying 'there he is kids - The Litherland Running Man.' The kids knew him as LRM too.
"He was a machine, he ran effortlessly, he just ran for the love of running. He was our very own modern day Forrest Gump. I don’t think he actually knew how locally famous he was.
"He was a legend and he was our legend. I hope his family take a little bit of comfort in how much everyone followed his movements, his life and had a real admiration for that man who ran without a top and half of tubi grip on his left calf. RIP - Dave Francis."
Clare Woolvine wrote: "Hurts my heart this and I never knew him. When something so tragic happens so close to home. It hits hard.
"Could have been any of us. My thought go out to his family and friends. Litherland Running Man RIP."
Another person, Lynda Flynn added: "Can't believe this legend has passed away. Come rain, shine, hail or snow he'd be running in just his shorts. RIP Dave Francis."
While a fourth, Lesley Selby Culshaw said: "So shouldn’t of happened. Stop the world I want to get off. Decent people losing their lives through other people’s actions. Loved seeing you running along over the years. Long may you run in a higher a place. RIP."
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'
