Footballer, 27, dies after being hit by police car as heartbroken brother pays tribute
A HEARTBROKEN family have paid tribute to a footballer who died after being hit by a police car.
Arthur Hoelscher-Ermert, 27, died last night after he was run down by a marked vehicle in Peacehaven, East Sussex, at around 11pm.
Paramedics and air ambulance rushed to the incident but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Sussex Police said the matter has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct which will carry out an investigation.
His heartbroken brother Karl said: “RIP my baby brother. I don’t really have the words but need to get this out there.
“Last night at roughly midnight my brother Arthur Hoelscher-Ermert was run over and killed by police on South Coast Road, Peacehaven.
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“Rest easy up there my boy, look after mum make sure you give her a big squeeze from me.”
A pal of labourer Arthur added:“It’s so tragic. He was such a nice guy and he’s got a five-day-old baby and a girlfriend.
“It’s devastating. I’d known him for a few years – he was just one of the lads.”
A section of the A259 South Coast Road was closed in both directions for an investigation, and has since reopened, but the junction of Bramber Avenue is still closed.
Police are appealing for anyone with information or dashcam footage of the incident to contact them.
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.”
A spokesman added: “As the incident involved a police vehicle, the matter has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct who will carry out an independent investigation.”
A spokesman for the IOPC said: “We have begun an independent investigation into police actions prior to a fatal road traffic collision involving a pedestrian on Dorothy Avenue in Peacehaven, Lewes last night.
“A man in his 20s sadly died at the scene.
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“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.”
