A WIRRAL policeman killed in the line of duty is to be honoured with a permanent memorial today.

Constable Dave Phillips, a father of two, died in October 2015 after being hit by a stolen vehicle he was trying to stop as it sped through Wallasey.

The 34-year-old's death shocked the local community.

Nineteen-year-old Clayton Williams was later convicted of his manslaughter and sentenced to 20 years in jail.

A stone memorial in PC Phillips' memory will be unveiled during a moving ceremony at Hamilton Square's historic gardens, which starts at midday.

Granted by the Police Memorial Trust, it is the first time a Merseyside Police officer has been honoured in this way.

Attending the memorial's unveiling will be PC Phillips' family, friends and colleagues.

The public are invited to come along to watch the event.

The Merseyside Police Band will play a programme of specially selected music from 11.30am.

Geraldine Winner is chair of The Police Memorial Trust, a charity founded by her late husband, the film director Sir Michael Winner.

During the ceremony Mrs Winner and Merseyside Chief Constable, Andy Cooke, will pay tribute to PC Phillips' service and sacrifice.

Mrs Winner said: "PC Phillips was a local officer serving his local community when he was killed in a heartless criminal act.

"He was cruelly taken from his loving wife and family whilst doing his job, a job he loved.

"I hope this tribute, set as it is in the beautiful landscape of Hamilton Gardens, will bring some comfort to his loving family."

Andy Cooke, Chief Constable of Merseyside Police said: "I hope this memorial will ensure PC Dave Phillips' legacy lives on, as an officer who was the ultimate professional and committed to keeping the communities of the Wirral safe.

"Dave represented everything that people want from their police service, and everyone at Merseyside Police is extremely proud to say that he was one of us.

"I would like to thank The Police Memorial Trust on behalf of Merseyside Police, Dave’s colleagues and friends, and the public he served for this wonderful memorial and I would also wish to thank Geraldine Winner and her colleagues for continuing the great work Michael started all those years ago."

Sergeant Pete Singleton, Chair of Merseyside Police Federation said: "Dave Phillips was killed protecting the people he swore to serve, attempting to stop a dangerously driven stolen vehicle.

"This memorial is important not only for his family, friends and the wider Police family but also for the public of Wirral.

"The memorial will be a focal point for the police and people of Wirral and Merseyside to remember Dave's bravery.

"It is a tangible way to recognise Dave's service and sacrifice.

"His bravery will never be forgotten."

After setting up the trust, Sir Michael Winner said: "I founded the Police Memorial Trust because it seemed unfair to me that there were memorials to the other services who fight and die on our behalf, the soldiers, sailors and airman, but there were none for the Police.

"The police also fight a war that has no beginning and no end and, as a war, it has fatalities."