Liverpool flood deaths: Grandparents killed when their car was trapped underwater died week before 54th anniversary

TWO grandparents who were killed when their car was trapped underwater died just days before their 54th wedding anniversary.

Philip and Elaine Marco were travelling in their black Mercedes A180 in Mossley Hill, Liverpool, on Saturday night when torrential rain flooded the area.

And the pair tragically became submerged when driving under a railway bridge following the downpour.

According to the Met Office, torrential rain was pouring down at more than 32mm an hour near Mossley Hill on Saturday night.

Frantic passersby tried to reach both Philip, 77, and Elaine, 75, but they sadly could not be saved.

They were taken to a nearby hospital but were tragically pronounced dead.

Their heartbroken family have today paid tribute to the couple who were due to celebrate their 54th wedding anniversary next week.

A statement read: "We are devastated and heartbroken by the sudden loss of Elaine and Philip Marco.

";They were much loved parents to four children and ten grandchildren.

"The family are arriving overseas from America and Australia to mourn their loss.

"They were due to celebrate their 54th wedding anniversary next week and our only comfort is knowing that they were together to the very end."

Merseyside Police are continuing to investigate and enquiries are ongoing.

It comes after United Utilities confirmed the flash food was not because of a burst pipe, despite previous speculation.

And a close friend has also tribute to the elderly couple.

Posting on Facebook they said: "Terrible tragedy with the passing of our dear friends, Philip & Elaine Marco.

"May Hashem heal the torn hearts of their children and grandchildren.

"A huge loss to our community."

Locals told The Sun Online that the couple died in a notorious flooding blackspot as terrifying footage showed a second car caught up in the same flood.

Tony, a pensioner from the Mossley Hill area, said: "This has been going on for years now. They had to pull a woman out last month with special boats.

"It's a notorious blackspot.

"It's always been one of those things. And now we have this. Two deaths.

"It can get very deep down there. I am talking over six feet of flood water so its a death trap really."

Local woman Pat said: "Surely there should be a warning system in place after heavy rain.

"Someone who is not local could easily drive through and get caught out."

A friend who asked not to be named told The Sun Online: "Philip and Elaine were well respected members of Liverpool's proud Jewish community. 

"I would just like to say what lovely, gentle people they were. We are all thinking of their children and grandchildren today.

"Philip was a Kocher caterer and so was a regular fixture at weddings and mitzvahs across the city for the last three decades or so.

"I know that Philip and Elaine were very proud of their children and grandchildren.

"They were a close family. I can't quite believe they have died in such horrible circumstances. It is totally shocking. How could this happen?"

The couple lived in a gated community near Liverpool's Sefton Park.

A resident said: "They were just very nice, quiet people.
I cannot believe they are dead."

They were due to celebrate their 54th wedding anniversary next week and our only comfort is knowing that they were together to the very end

A family statement

Emergency services had rushed to the scene around 9.20pm on Saturday.

They were called to reports of two people trapped inside a submerged car before they recovered two bodies.

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Dalton said last night: "Our thoughts go out to the family of the man and woman who sadly lost their lives in this tragic incident, despite the best efforts of passing members of the public, our officers and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Services at the scene. 

"We are at the early stages of an ongoing investigation on Queens Drive to establish the circumstances of this tragic incident.

"Road closures remain in the area as we continue with this investigation and motorists are advised to avoid the road.

"We are continuing to appeal to anyone who was on Queens Drive, between North Mossley Hill Road and Dovedale Road at around 9.20pm last night and saw the accident, or who stopped to try help or anyone who had any dashcam footage from their car to come forward as soon as possible.

"Similarly, if you live in the area and have any doorbell or CCTV footage from last night please share this with us."