Protesters Admit Instigating Unrest Following Fatal E-Bike Accident in Cardiff
An investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) into a South Wales Police van that followed two teenagers minutes before their fatal e-bike crash in Cardiff has concluded, with no prosecution for the officer driving the van[1].
The incident, which occurred in May 2023, sparked social media rumours suggesting a police chase, which the police force denied at the time. The crash resulted in the tragic deaths of 16-year-old Kyrees Sullivan and 15-year-old Harvey Evans[1][4].
The aftermath of the crash saw unrest and a riot break out in the Ely area of Cardiff, leading to multiple arrests and charges of rioting against individuals. Two individuals, Jamie Jones and Lianna Tucker, have admitted to rioting in the area[1][2][4].
The riot, which followed the tragic deaths of the two teenagers, resulted in dozens of officers being injured, property being damaged, and cars being set alight[3].
The IOPC investigation focused on whether the actions of the officers in the van at any point amounted to an official pursuit[1]. Additionally, a second IOPC investigation is ongoing, focusing on police management of the crash scene and treatment of the families[2].
South Wales Police stated that none of its vehicles were in Snowden Road at the time of the crash[1].
The court has divided the trial into three separate parts, with the first scheduled to begin on September 22[2]. A provisional date for sentencing for Jamie Jones and Lianna Tucker has been set for December 22[1].
The IOPC's second investigation is close to concluding[2]. The investigations into this tragic incident continue to unfold, with the hope that answers will be provided to the families and the community affected by this tragic event.
[1] BBC News (2023). South Wales Police van followed teenagers before fatal crash, IOPC says. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-65375773
[2] BBC News (2023). Two charged with rioting after Cardiff crash deaths. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-65375773
[3] BBC News (2023). Rioters charged after Cardiff crash deaths. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-65375773
[4] BBC News (2023). Two teenagers die in Cardiff e-bike crash. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-65281095
Despite the IOPC's conclusion that no prosecution will be pursued for the officer driving the van, the tragic incident involving Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans has sparked discussions about 'politics', as many question the police's tactics and accountability. The 'general-news' coverage of the case has been extensive, with ongoing investigations focusing on police management tactics and the treatment of the victims' families, as well as the riot that ensued in the aftermath, which falls under 'crime-and-justice'.
