Update on IOPC investigation into South Wales Police actions prior to the deaths of two teenagers in Ely

Following the conclusion of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation into South Wales Police interactions with two teenagers prior to their deaths in Ely, we submitted a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider an offence of dangerous driving for the driver of a police van.

Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and Harvey Evans, 15, sadly died after the electric bike they were riding on was involved in a collision on 22 May 2023. CCTV captured a police van in the vicinity of the bike, prior to the incident. Today the CPS has decided not to bring any criminal proceedings against the officer.

IOPC Director David Ford said: “First and foremost, our thoughts and sympathies remain with the families of Kyrees and Harvey and all those affected by their untimely deaths. We know that the boys’ deaths have had a deep impact on the local community and I want to thank everyone again for their patience while we carried out our detailed investigative work. 

“We previously informed the families of our decision to make a referral to the CPS and we continue to keep them updated, as we have throughout our investigation.

“It was only after we had thoroughly and carefully analysed all the evidence, that we made a referral to the CPS, when we had decided there was an indication an officer may have committed a criminal offence in relation to the manner of their driving, and that it was appropriate for the matter to be considered by the CPS. It was for the CPS to consider whether to bring any criminal charge and we note their decision announced today. 

“We are finalising our position over any potential disciplinary proceedings in relation to the driver of the police van and will provide a further update once final decisions have been made.”  

The decision is subject to the Victim’s Right of Review (VRR) scheme. This provides a victim or their families in some classes of case with a specifically designed process to exercise the right to review certain CPS decisions not to start a prosecution or to stop a prosecution.

Our second investigation into family complaints against South Wales Police, which covered a number of areas including the families’ treatment at the scene of the incident, is close to concluding.