Peacehaven: Angry protesters demand justice for crash victim

Mr Hölscher-Ermert's brother Karl says the community is angry and frustrated

Dozens of angry protesters have gathered outside a police headquarters to demand "justice" for a man who died after he was struck by a police car.

Arthur Hölscher-Ermert, 27, was hit by an unmarked car on the A259 in Peacehaven, East Sussex, on 30 April.

He had just got out of an Audi which was being pursued by a different police car, the police watchdog said.

The driver of the unmarked car is under criminal investigation but has not been arrested.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it had been examining footage from police body-worn cameras.

It said it was aware of reports Mr Hölscher-Ermert had been handcuffed after the crash but so far it had "not seen evidence this was the case".

Speaking at the protest in Lewes, Mr Hölscher-Ermert's brother, Karl, said: "We are frustrated. As a community we are angry.

"It has been seven days since my brother was run over and killed. No suspension, no arrests, nothing.

"My brother had the kindest heart, the biggest heart. This is outrageous."

Arthur Hölscher-Ermert died on the A259 at Peacehaven last Saturday evening

The IOPC said Mr Hölscher-Ermert had been driving an Audi which was being pursued by a police car on the A259.

He was struck at about 23:10 BST near the junction of Dorothy Avenue, moments after leaving the Audi following the end of the pursuit.

He died at the scene.

Sussex Police said the driver of the unmarked police car was under criminal investigation "for the offence of causing death by dangerous driving" and had been placed on restricted duties.

He is also being investigated for potential gross misconduct, the IOPC said.

Friends and family carried banners as they marched through Lewes

About 100 of Mr Hölscher-Ermert's family and friends marched through Lewes earlier to the police headquarters on Church Lane.

There were angry chants of "justice for Arthur" and "we want answers".

IOPC regional director Graham Beesley said: "We have met with Arthur's family to update them on our inquiries and reassure them that a thorough and robust independent investigation will be carried out to establish what happened.

"We are aware of speculation and comment that Arthur may have been handcuffed immediately after the collision.

"In the police body-worn video footage we have reviewed to date, we have not seen evidence that this was the case."

Mr Hölscher-Ermert (left) with his father Jens, and brother Karl

Supt James Collis of Sussex Police said: "This is a fast-paced investigation and while there has been much speculation, it is vital that all of the facts of the case can be fully, fairly and objectively investigated by the IOPC.

"This is a tragic incident and distressing for Mr Hoelscher-Ermert's family and friends.

"Our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time."

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