The brother of a pedestrian who died after being hit by a police car has spoken of his heartbreak.

James Sutton, 46, died at around 7.50pm on March 12 after being struck by a police car on Hastings seafront.

Mr Sutton, who worked in the construction industry and lived in St Leonards, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which closed the seafront for hours.

The case was originally referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission but has since been referred back to Sussex Police and an inquest is set to take place.

Mr Sutton’s brother Paul, 48, of Bexhill Road, Woodingdean, said: “He was only 46, He shouldn’t have died.”

“We were really close and had spoken just three days before he died.”

Mr Sutton said he was unhappy with Sussex Police as he feels information is being withheld over the circumstances surrounding his brother’s death.

He said: “My family and I have buried my brother and now we are expected to just continue with our lives, which is an impossible task at present with so much unanswered. “We really miss him.”
 

He is also critical because he claimed the driver and passenger of the police car which struck his brother were not interviewed until 12 days after his death.

Chief Superintendent Neil Honnor said: “An investigation is taking place into the circumstances of Mr Sutton's tragic death, supervised by the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

“The matter has been passed to the coroner and an inquest has been opened and adjourned.

“We have specialist officers engaging with his family, as they have been throughout, providing updates and information at all stages as they become available, by email as they have requested.

“Along with the coroner's officer, we will continue to do so. We realise that this has been a very distressing time and our thoughts and sympathies are with Mr Sutton’s family and friends.

“The results of our investigation will be provided to the coroner to assist with his inquest.”