Peacehaven IOPC investigation - further update

Sussex Police is providing every assistance to allow for a thorough investigation into a collision involving an unmarked police car in Peacehaven on 30 April in which a man sadly died.

The incident happened on the A259 South Coast Road at Peacehaven at around 11.10pm on Saturday (30 April) when the police vehicle was in a collision with a 27-year-old, named as Arthur Hoelscher-Ermert.

Today the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), the external body leading the investigation, has issued an updated statement (see below) having reviewed police body worn video footage.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct is reviewing a large amount of video footage as its investigation continues into the death of 27-year-old Arthur Hoelscher-Ermert after he was struck by a Sussex Police vehicle in Peacehaven at around 11.10pm on Saturday 30 April.

Sadly, he was confirmed dead at the scene a short time later. Evidence we have gathered indicates that moments before the collision Mr Hoelscher-Ermert had got out of an Audi in Bramber Avenue after being pursued by a different police vehicle.

Our investigators have gathered dashcam and police body worn footage from the collision and the scene afterwards, and we are continuing to analyse that.

IOPC Regional Director Graham Beesley said: “We have today met with Arthur’s family to update them on our inquiries and reassure them that a thorough and robust independent investigation will be carried out to establish what happened.

“We are aware of speculation and comment that Arthur may have been handcuffed immediately after the collision. In the police body worn video footage we have reviewed to date, we have not seen evidence that this was the case.

“We would reiterate our call for anyone who may have footage or witnessed anything relevant to our enquiries to come forward and speak with us. It could be vital in helping us to gain a full picture of what happened.”

Anyone with information is urged to call the IOPC on 0300 3035612 or email [email protected]  as soon as possible.

We have now advised the driver of the unmarked police car which Mr Hoelscher-Ermert was in collision with, that he is under criminal investigation for the offence of causing death by dangerous driving. He has not been arrested.

A criminal investigation does not necessarily mean that charges will follow. At the end of the investigation we will decide whether to refer a file to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider whether the officer should be prosecuted.

The officer, a police constable, will also be investigated for potential gross misconduct.

Supt James Collis said: “This is a tragic incident and distressing for Mr Hoelscher-Ermert’s family and friends. Our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time.

“This is a fast paced investigation and 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.

“We would ask the public to allow for the investigation to take its course.”