Teenager arrested over fatal hit and run with stolen Audi in Netherton

Merseyside Police have arrested a 17-year-old boy on suspicion of death by dangerous driving following a fatal hit and run in Netherton last week.

David Francis, 63, was knocked down and killed by the driver of a stolen Audi S8 who then ploughed into a house in Morgan Mews.

Police and paramedics attended the scene at around 9pm on Thursday 13 April but Mr Francis was pronounced dead. Well-known in his local area for going jogging in all weathers, he was affectionately known as the ‘Litherland Running Man’.

The driver fled on foot and Merseyside Police made a public appeal for information to help track him down.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy McCourt said: “This was a horrific and reckless incident that has left a family with a devastating loss. We are determined to find the person responsible and bring them to justice.”

Funeral: Local residents have launched an online fundraiser to pay for Mr Francis’s funeral, describing him as “an innocent man who sadly lost his life”. Donations can be made at www.gofundme.com/f/to-help-the-family-with-funeral-arrangements

The Audi S8 is believed to have been stolen in a burglary in the early hours of Thursday 13 April in the Harrison Drive area of Rainford. It is believed the offenders may have travelled to the Rainford area in a grey Audi Q2 which was stolen in a burglary in the Caithness Drive area of Crosby also during the early hours of 13 April. The Audi Q2 was recovered by police in Rainford.

How to contact police:

• Police want to hear from anyone with information, dashcam or CCTV. Please contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police Contact Centre with reference quoting reference 23000314332.
• You can also call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.