David Francis, a famous runner who was known in his locality for going jogging topless regardless of the weather was killed after being struck by a stolen car. The accident happened in Netherton, Liverpool, around 9 pm on Thursday. The driver fled the scene, leaving the stolen car behind.

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Who was David Francis?

David Francis died after being hit by a stolen Audi S8 that crashed into the back of a house on Morgan Mews, Netherton, on Thursday evening, April 13. He was locally known as the “Litherland running man”.

Francis was known for running around the Sefton area in shorts, no matter how cold the weather was.

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According to Merseyside Police, no arrests have been made as of yet. The 60-year-old was declared dead at the scene.

Tributes have flooded in on social media, while a GoFundMe page has been started to raise money for Francis’ funeral.

“Hurts my heart this and I never knew him,” said Claire Woolvine.

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Emergency services reported to the scene at around 9.05 pm after reports that a dark-coloured Audi S8 had crashed into a house on Morgan Mews.

At the accident spot, police, fire, and ambulance crews found a man had also been hit by a car.

The driver of the car ran away from the scene on foot.

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Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service also reported at the scene and a structural assessor will decide if the property is structurally sound and safe.

“We are in the very early stages of establishing the circumstances of this incident. Officers are currently at the scene and house-to-house inquiries are being carried out. We will also be checking CCTV and smart doorbell footage from the area in a bid to identify the male who was driving the vehicle,” said Detective Inspector Colin Rennison.

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Officers suspect the car was stolen in a burglary in the early hours of Thursday, April 13, in the Harrison Drive area of Rainford. The suspects may have traveled in the Rainford area in a grey Audi Q2 which was stolen in a previous burglary in the Caithness Drive area of Crosby on Thursday.