Top cop meets with family of man killed by police car on A259

Arthur Holscher-Ermert died after being hit by the black BMW on Saturday, April 30, near Bramber Avenue in Peacehaven.

The 27-year-old was in a brief chase in an Audi before getting out and crossing the road where he was hit by the police car which was heading westbound.

Sussex Police confirmed the officer, a police constable, had “not undertaken duties” since the incident after concerns were raised by Arthur's family.

Arthur died at the scene on the A259 near Bramber Avenue

His older brother Karl, 30, criticised the force and questioned “what is happening to this police officer who is still on duty”.

Sussex Police said "the officer has not undertaken duties since the incident and has been placed on restricted duties that are not public-facing".

The force confirmed that "this means that they will not be working in the community, not patrolling on foot or by car".

A high-ranking officer also met with Karl yesterday to offer his “deepest sympathies” and reassurance that they are supporting the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation.

Assistant chief constable Simon Dobinson requested the private meeting.

Karl Holscher-Ermert at the vigil for his brother last week

ACC Dobinson said: “I have wanted to personally meet with Karl to offer my deepest sympathies to him and his family for Arthur’s death and to reassure them that we are doing all we can to support the independent investigation.

"We continue to provide assistance to the IOPC, who have independence in regard to the investigation and who remain in contact with the family.

"The driver of the car is being investigated for death by dangerous driving and for potential gross misconduct at this early stage of the investigation.

Left, tributes left at Bramber Avenue for Arthur Holscher-Ermert

"The officer has not undertaken duties since the incident and is subject to restricted duties that are not public-facing pending the outcome of the investigation.

"Suspension under police regulations was considered and will be regularly reviewed in line with policy.

"While there has been much speculation it is vital that all of the facts of the case can be fully, fairly and objectively investigated by the IOPC.

The black BMW being taken from the scene

"That is the purpose of an independent investigation.

"We are providing every assistance to the IOPC to allow for a thorough investigation and for the family to receive the answers they need. We would ask the public to allow for the investigation to take its course."

On May 12, a vigil was held at the site of Mr Holscher-Ermert’s death on what would have been his 28th birthday.