IOPC investigation into South Wales Police actions prior to the deaths of two boys in Ely near to conclusion

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation into the interaction between South Wales Police and two teenage boys before their deaths in Cardiff, is in its final stages. 

Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and Harvey Evans, 15, died after the electric bike they were riding on was involved in a collision in the Ely area of the city, on 22 May 2023. Our independent investigation followed a referral from South Wales Police (SWP), after a police van was captured on CCTV travelling close behind the bike, prior to the incident.

All lines of enquiry for our investigation are nearly complete. This has included obtaining, collating and reviewing a substantial amount of evidence such as witness statements including from local residents, examining hundreds of video clips, along with body-worn video from police officers at the scene. Accounts have been obtained from the majority of officers involved and all efforts are being made to secure the final outstanding statements. Additionally, we have engaged with independent specialists who have expertise in police pursuit management and the examination of collision scenes. 

We are also nearing completion of our second investigation linked to the incident, which has centred around complaints raised by the families of Kyrees and Harvey. The complaints include the police response and the management of the collision scene, how the families were dealt with at the scene on the night and the way in which South Wales Police communicated with them following the boys’ deaths.

A month after the incident, we served gross misconduct notices on the driver and passenger of the police van. In August last year, we also notified the driver of the van that they were under criminal investigation for dangerous driving. These notices do not necessarily mean that any disciplinary or criminal proceedings will follow. 

IOPC Director David Ford said: “As we approach the one-year anniversary of the tragic events which took place on the evening of 22 May, I understand that this will be an especially difficult time for the families of Kyrees and Harvey. As such, I would ask that the media respects the families’ requests for privacy, so that they are able to remember their loved ones, without fear of intrusion. Our thoughts and sympathies continue to be with everyone who has been affected by the loss of such young lives.”   

“I appreciate the patience shown by the families, stakeholders and the wider community of Ely over the last twelve months as the investigations to establish exactly what happened have progressed. Our investigations are nearing completion and whilst I fully recognise the importance of finalising our investigations, thoroughness cannot be compromised.  

“Our regular updates to the boys’ families and South Wales Police continue as we near the end of both investigations. Following their conclusion, we will take decisions about any potential referrals to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider possible criminal proceedings, as well as potential future disciplinary matters. We will also take into account any improvements and learning that may have been identified during our investigations, whether that’s for individual officers, or South Wales Police on a force-wide basis."