Pedestrian killed in Brighton police 999 call car crash

A pedestrian has been knocked over and killed by a police car responding to an emergency call in Brighton.

David Ormesher, 79, of Poole in Dorset, was hit at 00:50 BST. He died at the scene, in Devonshire Place, Kemptown.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said it was investigating whether the police car's lights and siren were on at the time.

It said the speed the marked police car was going was being looked at, and CCTV footage was being sought.

IPCC investigators attended the scene in the early hours, and house-to-house inquiries had been taking place.

IPCC associate commissioner Tom Milsom urged anyone who saw or heard anything to contact them.

"It is important for all of those affected that we establish the circumstances surrounding the collision," he said.

The area has been cordoned off by police

Supt Paul Betts, of Sussex Police, said it was a tragic incident and police tried to help the man at the scene.

"Officers immediately called for assistance and performed first aid, but sadly the man died," he said.

"The officers involved are understandably extremely distraught.

"We have spoken with his family to whom I offer my deepest sympathies."

'Raced up'

Amanda Douglas, who lives on nearby Edward Street, said she looked out of her window after hearing "a big loud crash".

"There was a guy on the road, he wasn't moving.

"The police had just stopped and they were getting out of their car.

"They've raced up there, and I think it was the driver who immediately started to resuscitate him," she said.

Both Devonshire Place and Edward Street were closed in both directions, and Brighton and Hove Buses diverted its vehicles along the seafront.