Vigil in Peacehaven for Arthur Holscher-Ermert on his birthday

Flowers, balloons and several birthday cakes were put out for Arthur Holscher-Ermert who died on April 30 after being hit by an unmarked black BMW on the A259 at Bramber Avenue in Peacehaven.

His older brother, Karl Holscher-Ermert, 30, organised the vigil which took place last night.

The mother of a childhood friend of Arthur told The Argus his death has “shook” Newhaven, where Arthur grew up, and “this shouldn’t happen in places like this”.

Karl Holscher-Ermert raises a drink for his younger brother

One of his childhood friends said he will be "missed forever".

People raised a glass for Arthur and reminisced on their friendship with him, while those driving by beeped their horns in support.

Karl said at the vigil yesterday: “It’s been 12 days since they took him, it’s his f****** birthday. It’s been a crazy day for me, they let me see him today. No one has seen him since the day he died until his birthday. How twisted is that?

Flowers, cakes and candles were laid to pay respect on what would have been Arthur's 28th birthday yesterday

“Today, I want to raise a toast and think about all the good times you had with Arthur, everyone has their crazy stories with Arthur. Justice for Arthur.

“This is a long process, we aren’t going anywhere. Nothing has changed from when we came here last Monday, nothing has changed from the first vigil to the second vigil."

Arron Ashdown, a childhood friend of Arthur and Karl, said: “I think we’re going to do this as a yearly thing now to remember him. Every day is weird at the moment, the day it happened is a blur.

Messages written for Arthur

“I want Karl to get the answers he deserves and put some closure on it. This won’t just be swept away and forgotten about, I don’t think anyone will forget Arthur.

“He was amazing, he was a real 'Jack the lad' kind of guy. If you had his respect, he would go to the ends of the earth for you. He’s going to be missed forever, there won’t be another Arthur.”

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed that Arthur had been driving an Audi which was being pursued by another police car on the night of his death.

One of the cards at the site of Arthur's death

Police said the short chase ended in Bramber Avenue where Arthur left the Audi and was struck moments later by the second police vehicle, a black BMW, which had not been involved in the pursuit.

It was confirmed last week that the driver of the unmarked police car is under criminal investigation for the offence of causing death by dangerous driving. He has not been arrested.

At the end of the IOPC investigation, it will be decided whether to refer the case to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider whether the officer should be prosecuted.

The officer, a police constable, will also be investigated for potential gross misconduct.

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