Appeal for witnesses after man killed by police car in Peacehaven

Arthur Holscher-Ermert, from Newhaven, was struck by the BMW at around 11.10pm on Saturday near the junction of Dorothy Avenue at the A259 in Peacehaven.

He was confirmed dead “a short time later”.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it sent investigators to the scene before declaring the incident an independent investigation.

The BMW being taken from the scene

It is now gathering dash cam and body cam footage as it works to establish “all the facts” from the tragedy.

IOPC regional director Graham Beesley said: “Our sympathies are with the man’s family and everyone else affected by his death. We will be in contact with the man’s family to explain our role and will keep them regularly updated on our progress.

“We appreciate there has been concern expressed in the community about exactly what happened on Saturday evening and we are working hard to establish all of the facts.

Crowds gathered at the site on Monday to pay their respects to Arthur

“We are looking at the circumstances leading up to the collision and the actions of the police in the immediate aftermath.

“We have already received dashcam footage from a member of the public who was driving in the area at the time and we are analysing that along with footage from the police car involved in the collision.

“Initial accounts from the police officers involved have been provided and we are also gathering police body worn video and radio transmissions.

Bramber Avenue in Peacehaven

“We know that a number of people were at the scene following the collision and we would appeal to anyone with information to come forward and talk to us. We would also like to hear from anyone with mobile phone or other footage they may have recorded of the incident.”

Anyone with information is urged to call 0300 3035612 or email peacehavenrti@policeconduct.gov.uk as soon as possible.

IOPC investigators will be in the area in the coming days to locate any other CCTV footage that might be available, and to carry out house to house inquiries to identify witnesses.

The coroner has been informed and a post mortem examination is expected to take place later this week.

Karl Holscher-Ermert, Arthur's brother

On Monday, crowds gathered at Bramber Avenue in Peacehaven to pay their respects.

Karl Holscher-Ermert, Arthur’s older brother, thanked the crowd for attending. He said “none of it adds up” and he “want answers” from Sussex Police.

Sussex Police said it is "fully co-operating" with the IOPC.

Chief superintendent Jo Banks said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who tragically died in this collision.

"We recognise the impact of this incident on his family and the local community and we are fully co-operating with the IOPC to ensure a full and fair investigation.

"The IOPC are liaising with the family and as such we are unable to provide further information.”