Detectives have named a teenager wanted after a fatal hit-and-run collision.
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 on Morgan Mews, Netherton, at about 9.05pm on April 13.
Mr Francis, from Litherland, Merseyside, was a running enthusiast who was regularly seen jogging, sometimes only wearing shorts, no matter how cold the weather, with local tributes calling him the “Litherland Running Man”.
He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
The driver of the car, which is suspected to have been stolen during a burglary, fled on foot after the crash.
Officers had appealed directly to the driver to “do the right thing” and hand themselves in.
APPEAL | We are appealing for information to help find Lewis Wright who is wanted in connection with a fatal road collision in Morgan Mews on Thursday 13 April.
63-year-old David Francis from Litherland was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. More here https://t.co/eMGFYIyEQA pic.twitter.com/1u0WyB0CfA
— Merseyside Police (@MerseyPolice) April 18, 2023
On Tuesday police 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, and 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”.
Donations can be made at www.gofundme.com/f/to-help-the-family-with-funeral-arrangements
Anyone who sees Wright or has any information is asked to contact Merseyside Police at @MerPolCC on Twitter, or Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook, with reference number 23000314332.
Information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or through the online form at crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.
