Sussex police officers face charges after fatal crash

Arthur Hölscher-Ermert was killed in Peacehaven

Author: Jason BeckPublished 31st May 2023

Two Sussex police officers are facing charges after a man was killed when he was hit by a police car.

Arthur Hölscher-Ermert was knocked down in Bramber Avenue in Peacehaven in April 2022.

The 27-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash after being hit by an unmarked police car.

The police watchdog said moments before the collision, he had got out of a car after being chased by another police vehicle.

Evidence has been passed to the Crown Prosecution Service which will decide if charges will be brought against the officers.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct said an officer was advised they were being criminally investigated for the offence of causing death by dangerous driving.

The officer was subsequently advised they were also under investigation for the offence of unlawful act manslaughter, the IOPC said.

It said a second officer was advised they were under criminal investigation for the offence of perverting the course of justice.

IOPC regional director Mel Palmer said: "Following the conclusion of our investigation and after carefully considering the evidence, we have decided there is an indication that both officers may have committed a criminal offence.

"It’s important to note that a referral to the CPS does not necessarily mean that criminal charges will follow.

"It will now be for the CPS to determine whether charges should be brought and if so, what charges those should be.

"We have informed the family of Arthur Hölscher-Ermert and have kept them updated throughout our investigation and we have also advised the officers of our decision.

"Our sympathies remain with everyone affected by this incident."

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