Hundreds gather in Lewes for protest against Sussex Police

The protest was exactly a week after the death of Arthur Holscher-Ermert who died after an unmarked police car hit him on the A259 by Bramber Avenue in Peacehaven on Saturday, April 30 at around 11.10pm.

People gathered with signs, t-shirts and flowers at 1pm next to Lewes skatepark for Arthur.

The 27-year-old, from Newhaven, was driving an Audi which was being pursued by another police car.

Recovery of the black BMW last week

Police said the short chase ended in Bramber Avenue where Mr Holscher-Ermert left the Audi and was struck moments later by the second police vehicle, a black BMW, which had not been involved in the pursuit.

Karl Holscher-Ermert, his older brother, told The Argus today the family “have not been able to grieve” for the last week.

The 30-year-old added: “It’s been a week of torment, stress and utter frustration at the process of what the police are doing.”

From left are Kaspar Ermert, Arthur's cousin, Jens Ermert, his father and Karl Holscher-Ermert, his older brother

Jens Ermert, Arthur and Karl’s father, attended with a t-shirt stating “justice for Arthur”. While other family also joined from Germany including their cousin Kaspar Ermert who made the trip from Cologne in western Germany.

The crowd of more than 100 people ambled up Mayhew Way before arriving at Sussex Police’s HQ in Church Lane.

Upon arrival, crowds stood at the front entrance where chants of “justice for Arthur” continued.

Karl Holscher-Ermert, with megaphone, leads the protest up Mayhew Way in Lewes

Flowers were thrown into Sussex Police’s HQ, while two people also slipped under the gates to place a picture on a sign within its boundaries. Police cars slipped outside the side entrance to avoid the crowd.

After leaving Sussex Police’s HQ, the protest went through Lewes town centre and up to Lewes Crown Court in the High Street.

Yesterday, a Sussex Police constable was formally notified by the IOPC that he is under criminal investigation for the offence of causing death by dangerous driving. 

Karl Holscher-Ermert at the front gates of Sussex Police HQ in Church Lane, Lewes

The officer will also be investigated for potential gross misconduct.

As part of the investigation, the IOPC will be investigating the claims from eyewitnesses that Mr Holscher-Ermert was handcuffed after being struck. 

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "We were aware of a planned protest which took place outside Sussex Police headquarters and continued on to Lewes Police Station on Saturday, May 7.
"We understand the strength of feeling following the tragic death of Arthur Holscher-Ermert, and we are providing every assistance to the IOPC to allow for a thorough investigation and for the family to receive the answers they need.
"Our thoughts are with Arthur’s family and friends and we would ask the public to allow for the investigation to take its course."