Independent police investigators have been speaking to the family of an elderly man fighting for his life after being hit by a police car.

The man, in his 80s, is in a critical condition at Eastbourne District General Hospital after the accident in Grand Parade, Eastbourne, last Friday night.

He and his wife, on holiday from Wales, were crossing the road when they were hit by a marked Sussex Police car answering a 999 call. The woman was also hurt, but a hospital spokeswoman described her condition as comfortable.

The investigation has been taken over by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

A senior investigator travelled to Eastbourne and yesterday met relatives of the couple, staying at the Burlington Hotel.

Two officers in the police car escaped unhurt.

The IPCC has started investigations into seven incidents since assuming responsibility for police complaints in England and Wales from the Police Complaints Authority last April.

IPCC deputy chairman John Wadham said: "Our thoughts are with the couple and their family at this time."

He urged any witnesses to call Operation Proxima on 0845 6070999 or the IPCC on 08453 002002.