David Ormesher from Poole killed by police car in Edward Street, Brighton

David Ormesher, 79, from Poole, Dorset, was struck by the marked Ford Mondeo estate car at 12.50am this morning in Edward Street, Brighton. 

The elderly victim died at the scene around 2am. 

Police watchdog the Independent Police Complaints Commission are now investigating.

One shocked resident described seeing the victim lying in the middle of the road motionless, near the junction with Devonshire Place. 

Amanda Douglas, 44, of Mount Pleasant said: "It was just about 1am and I was just getting ready to go to bed, and there was a loud bang. 

"I looked out the window and there was a police car by the bus stop, and behind it a man lying in the road.

"I saw a male and female officer come out the police car, and she was on the phone shouting 'I need urgent assistance'.

"An officer turned him over and started resuscitating him straight away. 

"They managed to get him breathing briefly, but then he was gone again."

Police cordoned of the street, leading from the city centre to Kemp Town, as they conducted their investigation. 

Sussex Police has referred the crash to the Independent Police Complaints Commission, which is usual procedure when a police car is involved in a fatal collision. 

Superintendent Paul Betts said: "This is a tragic incident where a pedestrian was hit in Devonshire Place, Kemptown, by a police car responding to an emergency.

"The collision happened at about 12.50am and the officers immediately called for assistance and performed first aid, but sadly the man died.

"The officers involved are understandably extremely distraught.

"We have spoken with his family to whom I offer my deepest sympathies for this tragic incident.

"The IPCC is carrying out an independent investigation, which we will fully support. As a result we will not be able to comment further on the investigation."

IPCC investigators attended the scene this morning and spoke to the police officers involved. They have also spoken to residents and are now working to source CCTV of the collision. 

The IPCC said whether the police car was operating with lights and sirens activated and the speed of the vehicle is subject to investigation.

IPCC associate commissioner Tom Milsom said: “Our thoughts today are with all of those affected by this tragic incident. We are in contact with Mr Ormesher’s family to explain our role and offer our condolences.

“It is important for all of those affected that we establish the circumstances surrounding the collision and we would like to hear from anyone who may have seen or heard anything that could assist our investigators.”

It comes only months after 78-year-old Jonos Sasvari died in Old Steine after being hit by a Vauxhall Astra being pursued by a police car, after it failed to stop, in January. 

Gavin Dawes was jailed for ten years and three months for the killing. 

After an investigation by the IPCC, Sussex Police were found to have acted properly.

Witnesses are asked to contact the IPCC on 0800 029 4685 or via email at edwardstreetrti@ipcc.gsi.gov.uk