An 18-year-old man has been charged with the murder of PC Dave Phillips, who was killed while trying to stop burglars in a stolen pick-up truck.

Clayton Ronald Williams, from Wallasey on Merseyside, has also been charged with attempted wounding of another officer, burglary and aggravated unauthorised taking of a motor vehicle.

A second man, 30-year-old Phillip Stuart from Oxton, has been charged with aggravated unauthorised taking of a motor vehicle and burglary.

Both men are due to face Wirral Magistrates Court later.

Four people who were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender have been released on bail pending further inquiries, police said.

PC Phillips, a father of two, died following a burglary at a sales and letting agency in Birkenhead in which a Mitsubishi pick-up truck was stolen.

After a 40-minute police pursuit, PC Phillips and a colleague tried to use a "stinger" device to stop the vehicle.

It then mounted a central reservation and headed directly at the officer, before speeding off.

PC Phillips' family earlier spoke at a news conference in which they described the tragedy as a "sickening, gut-wrenching mess" .

One of his sisters, Hannah Whieldon, said: "Dave wasn't just a family man, he was the glue that bound all the families we represent here today.

"Every day he strived and strived to make the perfect life for his wife, and his little girls. But now nothing will ever be even close to perfect again.

"All we have are hollow memories that can't be held, or hugged, or kissed and a pain that won't stop."

PC Phillips' youngest sister, Kate Phillips, called him her "hero", adding: "He meant so much to so many people. He was our world.

"And our world has become a little darker for us and all that knew him."

PC Phillips' wife Jen, 28, did not speak at the news conference but hours earlier she and their daughters visited the spot where he died on Monday.

Mrs Phillips and Abigail, seven, and Sophie, three, led a large group of family and friends paying their respects at the scene in Wallasey.

Abigail left a bouquet of roses and a message which read: "Daddy, I love you so much, you are the best daddy in the whole wide world, you are my hero! I will miss you. XXX Love Abigail XXXXX."

A message from Sophie read: "Daddy, my hero, my super daddy, my world. I love you so much. I will miss our cuddles, tickles, giggles and smiles. I love you lots and lots. Your little princess Sophie x x x x x."

The two children also paid tribute in a video to the "best daddy in the world" .

On Wednesday night a candlelight vigil was held to remember the Merseyside police officer.

Hundreds of people gathered to pay their respects at New Brighton's Fort Perch Rock, where a minute's silence was held and balloons were released into the sky.