Cop ‘mowed down footballer before officers tried to handcuff him as he lay dying on ground’
TWO police officers could face criminal charges after a footballer was allegedly mowed down and handcuffed as he lay dying.
Arthur Holscher-Ermert died after the unmarked BMW ploughed into him in Peacehaven, East Sussex.
Witnesses claimed they saw police officers putting handcuffs on the 27-year-old while he lay face down in a pool of blood crying out for help.
Arthur – son of economics lecturer Jens Holscher – also appeared to have officers kneeling on his back in video footage.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct was initially investigating the officer driving the BMW for causing death by dangerous driving.
They are now also probing him for a charge of involuntary manslaughter.
A second officer is being investigated for perverting the course of justice with files on both cops sent to the Crown Prosecution Service.
They will now decide whether or not to charge the cops, who both work for Sussex Police.
The horror unfolded on April 30 last year while another police car was chasing amateur footballer Arthur.
Witnesses allege the BMW then swerved across the carriageway and hit Arthur as he exited an Audi.
In video footage, a bystander could be heard shouting “you’ve killed the man, you’ve killed the man” as they attempted to cuff him.
A second clip showed stricken Arthur on his back as police attempted CPR.
At the time Professor Holscher said: “It is so difficult to comprehend – I cannot believe it.
“I cannot understand what is happening at the moment. We are so disturbed – that is my little son.”
The IOPC confirmed both officers had been advised of its decision to pass a file of evidence to the CPS.
They also said Arthur’s family have been informed of its decision and are being updated.
Regional director at the IOPC, 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.”
