Cops release pic of teen wanted after ‘Litherland running man’ David Francis is killed by ‘stolen’ Audi in ‘hit and run’
DETECTIVES have identified a teenager they are trying to trace following a fatal hit-and-run.
Lewis Wright, 17, is wanted by Merseyside Police after a stolen black Audi S8 hit David Francis, 63, then ploughed into the garden of a house in Netherton at about 9.05pm on April 13.
Mr Francis, from Litherland, was a running enthusiast who was regularly seen jogging, sometimes only wearing shorts, no matter how cold the weather.
Locals paying tribute called him the “Litherland Running Man”.
He was pronounced dead at the scene on Morgan Mews by paramedics.
The driver of the car, which is suspected to have been nicked during a burglary, fled on foot after the “horrific and reckless” crash.
Officers had appealed directly to the driver to “do the right thing” and hand themselves in.
On Tuesday, cops said they suspect Wright has information which could be vital to their investigation.
He is described as a white male, 5ft 6in tall with brown hair and brown eyes.
He lives in and frequents the Netherton and Litherland areas.
Detective Chief Inspector Andrew McCourt said: “I am appealing to anyone who has information regarding this investigation to come forward, particularly anyone who has not yet spoken to police and knows this boy or saw the incident take place on Morgan Mews.
“Furthermore, we believe Wright could hold vital information to our continuing inquiries and are appealing to the public to assist us in locating him.
“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.
“Please contact police as a matter of urgency with any information that may assist our investigations and help bring justice for David and his family and friends.”
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”.
Anyone who sees Wright or has any information is asked to contact Merseyside Police on Twitter or Facebook with reference number 23000314332, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.