Two officers face gross misconduct investigation over fatal e-bike collision
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has served gross misconduct notices on two police officers as it investigates their interaction with two teenage boys prior to their deaths.
The South Wales Police officers were the driver and passenger in a marked police van, which was seen on CCTV footage driving behind the boys’ e-bike a short time prior to the fatal collision on May 22 in Ely, Cardiff, which sparked large-scale disorder.
Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and Harvey Evans, 15, died in the crash.
The notices do not necessarily mean that any disciplinary proceedings will follow.
IOPC said the its 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, it is examining whether at any time the decisions and actions of the officers in the police vehicle constituted a pursuit.
The 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 inquiries and leafleting at properties in Ely,” said the IOPC. “To ensure we identify and secure relevant evidence, we have followed up inquiries 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 inquiry, 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.
“South Wales Police has continued to cooperate 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.”
In a statement, South Wales Police said: “The serving of a gross misconduct notice does not necessarily mean an officer has committed any wrongdoing. It is to notify an officer that their conduct is being investigated.
“The force continues to fully cooperate with the IOPC investigation and is providing them with information and material, including CCTV footage and body-worn video.
“We acknowledge the impact Kyrees Sullivan’s and Harvey Evans’ deaths have had on their families, friends and the wider community. Our thoughts and condolences continue to be with them.”