Investigation progressing into police actions prior to the deaths of two teenagers in Ely

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation into police interaction with two teenage boys prior to their deaths in Ely, Cardiff, has made further progress.

As part of our investigation, we have served gross misconduct notices on two police officers, the driver and passenger in a marked police van, which was seen on CCTV footage driving behind the boys’ electric bike a short time prior to the fatal collision on 22 May. Such notices advise officers their conduct is subject to investigation. They do not necessarily mean that any disciplinary proceedings will follow.

Our investigation began last month following a referral from South Wales Police, after relevant CCTV footage came to light.

Investigators are reviewing hundreds of video footage clips that we have gathered as a result of our house-to-house enquiries and leafleting at properties in Ely. To ensure we identify and secure relevant evidence, we have followed up enquiries with, and taken statements from, some local residents. We have also set up witness appeal boards on relevant streets. In addition to these lines of enquiry, we have reviewed initial accounts and body worn video from relevant police officers and staff.

We are in regular contact with the families of Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans, who sadly lost their lives, to keep them updated on the progress of our investigation.

Our investigation continues to focus on the nature of the police interaction with the two boys prior to the collision and the appropriateness of the officers’ decisions and actions. In particular, we are examining whether at any time the decisions and actions of the officers in the police vehicle constituted a pursuit. South Wales Police has continued to co-operate with our investigation.

IOPC Director David Ford: “I wish to again extend my sympathies to the family and friends of Kyrees and Harvey, and to everyone who has felt the impactful loss of two young lives in Ely. The response from the community in helping our investigators has been very positive and I am extremely grateful for this assistance. In case there are still people with relevant information we have yet to speak to, we have placed witness appeal boards in the vicinity of the incident. We would urge anyone who believes they have useful information to come forward to us. We have also met with local community leaders and elected officials to explain our role and the remit of our investigation.

“As our investigation continues to progress, I would like to reassure everyone that we are focussed on establishing precisely what happened in the run up to the tragic incident. Our work will remain impartial and completely independent of the police.”

As a reminder, anyone with information or footage can call the IOPC on our incident line number: 0300 3030771 or email: [email protected]