A pair of police officers in a marked van who followed two teenage boys on an electric bike before it crashed killing them both in Cardiff have been served with gross misconduct notices, the Independent Office for Police Conduct said.
Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and Harvey Evans, 15, died in May shortly after they were captured on CCTV being followed by a police van. Their deaths sparked a night of rioting in the area.
In a statement, the police watchdog said: “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 May 22.
“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 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.
“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.”
