…By Jack Sylva for TDPel Media.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed that it will initiate an investigation into the circumstances surrounding a crash in Ely, Cardiff, which tragically resulted in the deaths of two teenagers.
South Wales Police revealed during a press conference on Tuesday that they had referred themselves to the police watchdog.
The incident, reported at 6pm on Monday night in Snowden Road, prompted the emergence of CCTV footage showing a police vehicle following a bike prior to the collision.
CCTV Footage Prompts Police Self-referral and Investigation
South Wales Police, addressing the media, stated that they had been alerted to the crash after it had already taken place.
Chief Superintendent Martyn Stone acknowledged the existence of CCTV footage that captured an electric bike being trailed by a police van.
He confirmed that this footage would be included in the investigation and urged anyone with additional relevant footage to come forward.
Victims Named and Families Seek Answers
On Tuesday afternoon, the two boys who lost their lives were identified locally as Kyrees Sullivan, aged 16, and Harvey Evans, aged 15.
Both teenagers hailed from the Ely area and were riding a Sur-Ron electric bike without wearing helmets at the time of the incident.
Friends of the victims expressed their families’ desperation for further information from the police regarding the details surrounding the crash.
Investigation Focuses on CCTV Evidence and Police Interaction
The video footage under investigation is timestamped at 5.59pm on Monday and was recorded in Frank Road, approximately 900 meters away from the suspected crash site.
South Wales Police and crime commissioner Alun Michael confirmed that there had been no police pursuit preceding the collision, a statement he reiterated on Wednesday morning.
Following a referral from the local police, the IOPC announced its decision to independently investigate the incident.
The IOPC emphasized that it would closely examine any interaction between the police and the two boys.
IOPC’s Commitment to Uncovering the Truth
David Ford, the director of the IOPC, expressed condolences and sympathies to the families and friends of the deceased teenagers.
He stressed the importance of conducting an independent investigation into the events leading up to the tragic incident.
Given the significant public interest and concern surrounding the case, the IOPC aims to thoroughly and impartially investigate the matter to establish a comprehensive understanding of what transpired on Monday.