A university professor has accused police officers of murder after his son was hit by an unmarked police car.
Arthur Holscher-Ermert, 27, was on foot when he was struck by the vehicle in Peacehaven, East Sussex, on Saturday.
Footage allegedly shows him on the ground, groaning and pinned down by uniformed officers after the incident at roughly 11pm.
Sussex Police have referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct and said in a statement their thoughts are with the 27-year-old's family.
Flowers, cards and bottles of beer were left at the scene in tribute to Arthur.
Last night dozens of people gathered together in his memory.
His father, Professor Jens Holscher, said he would be taking legal action against Sussex Police.
The 60-year-old told The Times: “They drove over him deliberately. It is murder in my eyes.
“I cannot understand what is happening at the moment. We are so disturbed, that is my little son and nothing is being done.
“It is so difficult to comprehend, I cannot believe it.
"It feels like there is a cover-up. They [the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)] called us and the man seemed to be on the police’s side. It was a clear demonstration of power.
“We believe there is a serious fault on the police side and we will take legal action immediately. We haven’t even had an apology — how low can you get?
“We want him [the officer responsible] taken off the street.”
Sonia Drews, 68, Holscher’s partner, added: “Arthur was 27 with his whole life ahead of him. “He was very happy. He’d found a new girlfriend and they were saving for a house together.
“He had so many plans for the future.”
Arthu’s brother, Karl, told the Brighton Argus they are yet to hear from officers.
He added: “It’s beyond belief. It’s like something out of a movie, none of it feels real. It doesn’t make any sense how he has ended up dead.
“We will pursue it, we will go as long as it takes and get to the bottom of it.
“I want to know what’s happening with the investigation.
“I want answers and we’re not getting them.”
The IOPC appealed for witnesses to come forward with footage from phones or dashcams and said investigators would be in the area gathering evidence.
Chief superintendent Jo Banks said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who tragically died in this collision.
“We recognise the impact of this incident on his family and the local community and we are fully co-operating with the IOPC to ensure a full and fair investigation.
“The IOPC are liaising with the family and as such we are unable to provide further information.”
