An investigation into the road accident that led to the death of internationally acclaimed filmmaker Theo Angelopoulos on Tuesday night has been launched.

According to police reports the director was hit by an off-duty policeman riding his motorcycle accompanied by his spouse. In his deposition the policeman stated that he did not see Angelopoulos, who was crossing a road at the time of the accident and not wearing a safety jacket.

Angelopoulos had been on location with his crew in Drapetsona, near Piraeus, when the accident occurred. It was not clear whether all safety measures had been taken by the production company with regards to Tuesday night's shoot.

Meanwhile, Androulla Vassiliou, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth, paid tribute to the award-winning director, saying that he will be “greatly missed” by the film world.

At the same time, the Greek Ministry of Culture announced on Wednesday the establishment of the Theo Angelopoulos International Award. The prize will be awarded on an annual basis as part of the International Thessaloniki Film Festival.