Netherton: Man killed by car was local runner David Francis, police say

Merseyside Police said the car's driver ran off and has not been identified

A man who died after being hit by a car which then ploughed into a garden has been named by police.

Merseyside Police said David Francis, 63, was struck by a black Audi S8 which then went into a house's garden on Morgan Mews in Netherton on Thursday.

The force said the 63-year-old from Litherland died at the scene.

It said the car's driver ran off and has not been identified, adding that it was believed the car was stolen in Rainford, St Helens, in the day.

Officers have appealed directly to the driver to "do the right thing" and hand themselves in.

Mr Francis was a running enthusiast, who was known locally as "Litherland Running Man" and could regularly be seen jogging while wearing shorts and running shoes, regardless of the weather conditions.

Local residents have paid tribute to him and begun raising funds for his funeral.

Anyone with information about the crash or burglaries is urged to contact police.

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