Arthur Hölscher-Ermert death crash police could face charges

Arthur Hölscher-Ermert died at the scene after being hit by an unmarked police car

A file of evidence has been passed to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to consider criminal charges against two Sussex Police officers following a fatal road crash.

Arthur Hölscher-Ermert died after he was hit by a unmarked car on the A259 in Peacehaven on 30 April 2022.

The police watchdog said there was an indication that two officers may have committed a criminal offence.

Mr Hölscher-Ermert's family welcomed the move as "an important first step".

The 27-year-old was hit by an unmarked Sussex Police vehicle. Moments before the crash, Mr Hölscher-Ermert had got out of an Audi in Bramber Avenue after it had been pursued by another police car.

The incident saw angry protests outside Sussex Police headquarters last year.

Friends and family carried banners as they marched through Lewes last year

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said that during its investigation, one officer was advised they were being criminally investigated for the offence of causing death by dangerous driving.

That officer was also subsequently advised they were under investigation for the offence of unlawful act manslaughter.

A second officer was advised they were under criminal investigation for the offence of perverting the course of justice.

Arthur Hölscher-Ermert died on the A259 at Peacehaven

Regional director at the IOPC, Mel Palmer, said: "Following the conclusion of our investigation and after carefully considering the evidence, we have decided there is an indication that both officers may have committed a criminal offence.

"It's important to note that a referral to the CPS does not necessarily mean that criminal charges will follow. It will now be for the CPS to determine whether charges should be brought and if so, what charges those should be."

In a joint statement, Mr Hölscher-Ermert's father, Professor Jens Hölscher, and brother, Karl Hölscher-Ermert, said it had been "an agonising wait" for the IOPC to refer the case to the CPS.

They said: "This is an important first step towards justice and accountability for Arthur. We hope the CPS reaches the right decision shortly. We miss Arthur every day."

The IOPC said both officers had been advised of its decision.

The watchdog said it was keeping Mr Hölscher-Ermert's family updated.

Angry protesters called for "justice" outside police headquarters in Lewes

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