A BROTHER has paid tribute to a 27-year-old who died after being hit by a police car.

Arthur Holscher-Ermert was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash on the A259 in Peacehaven on Saturday, April 30.

Police said a 27-year-old man who was in the road sustained serious injuries after colliding with a police vehicle near the junction of Dorothy Avenue.

“Despite the best efforts of paramedics and responders, he died at the scene,” a police spokesman said.

The Argus: A 27-year-old man died after being hit by a police car A 27-year-old man died after being hit by a police car

In a heartfelt tribute, Karl Holscher-Ermert called for justice for his brother.

“I don’t really have the words but need to get this out there. I have the worst news to tell everyone.

“Last night at roughly midnight my brother Arthur Hoelscher-Ermert was run over and killed by police.

“Rest easy up there my boy. Look after mum and make sure you give her a big squeeze from me.

“If you have any information or evidence if you would be so kind to forward it on to me so we can figure out what has happened, as Sussex Police still have made no contact with us regarding the incident.”

The Argus: Arthur Holscher-Ermert Arthur Holscher-Ermert

Police said as the incident involved a police vehicle, the matter has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), who will carry out an independent investigation.

An eye-witness to the crash said the police cars were “in a chase”.

“It looked like unmarked police cars were in a chase,” she said. “It looked like a second unmarked hit a pedestrian.”

A section of the A259 South Coast Road was closed in both directions for the investigation but has since reopened.

Chief Superintendent Jo Banks said: “This is a tragic incident, and we are fully supporting the IOPC investigation.

“We want to thank drivers and residents for their patience while the A259 South Coast Road was closed.”

An IOPC spokesman said: “We have begun an independent investigation into police actions prior to a fatal road traffic collision involving a pedestrian. A man in his 20s sadly died at the scene.

“We were notified of the incident by Sussex Police and sent investigators to the scene and the police post incident procedures to begin our enquiries. Our thoughts are with the man’s family at this time.”

Police are urging anyone with information or dash cam footage of the incident to email collision.appeal@sussex.police.uk quoting Operation Ambleside.