Car appeal over officer's murder

Police are appealing to petrol station workers

Police are trying to trace the movements of a car before it knocked down an off-duty police officer in Greater Manchester.

Pc Mike Silcock, 30, was hit by the gold-coloured BMW 3 series coupe on Didsbury Road, Heaton Mersey, on Friday. He died in hospital.

Police said the car was being driven erratically before the accident. It was later found burnt out.

Four men, aged 21-29 have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Detectives are appealing to anyone who may have seen the car being driven around the Stockport and Manchester area between 2000 GMT on Friday and 0015 GMT on Saturday to contact them.

Pc Mike Silcock had left a pub with a fellow officer when they were hit

Det Ch Insp Andy Peach, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "Not only is it a very distinctive car, I believe it may have been driven erratically, meaning anyone that came across it will remember seeing it.

"I am also keen to hear from any petrol station workers who may remember someone filling it up with fuel.

"Pc Silcock was knocked over and left to die and I am determined to catch whoever is responsible."

Pc Silcock had just left the Frog and Railway pub with a 25-year-old colleague when the pair were hit by the car.

The other officer was treated in hospital for non life-threatening injuries.