A police officer is set to face a misconduct hearing following the deaths of two teenage boys who crashed on an e-bike shortly after being followed by a police van.
Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and Harvey Evans, 15, died in May 2023 in Ely, Cardiff, minutes after CCTV footage showed a police van tracking them. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed the van was about half a mile away on a different road at the time of the fatal collision.
The tragic incident sparked riots and disorder across Cardiff, resulting in injuries to dozens of officers, property damage, and vehicles being set on fire.
Earlier this year, the Crown Prosecution Service announced that the officer driving the van would not face criminal charges. However, the IOPC revealed on Thursday that the officer, who remains unnamed, will face misconduct proceedings related to his actions before and after the crash.
The watchdog found the officer has a case to answer for gross misconduct regarding the accuracy of the statements he gave to colleagues following the collision. If found guilty, the officer could be dismissed from the police force.
Also, the officer faces allegations of misconduct concerning his driving and the language he used about the boys at the crash scene. The IOPC noted that his driving may have exceeded his training and authority, potentially breaching the College of Policing’s authorized professional practice and his force’s pursuit policy.
An independent investigation into complaints from the families about South Wales Police’s conduct, including their treatment at the scene, is nearing completion.
Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, expressed concern that pursuing misconduct proceedings over this case could discourage officers from engaging in necessary pursuits. He stated, “Honesty and integrity are the bedrock of policing, and that must be taken extremely seriously. But it is also vital that this decision does not send the wrong signal. Officers need to have the confidence to pursue suspects where necessary.”
Philp warned that fear of investigation could lead to fewer pursuits, allowing criminals to evade justice and endangering public safety.
The case adds to growing unease within the police ranks about disciplinary action being taken against officers for actions taken in the line of duty.
Footage of the police van following the boys surfaced after the crash, but the IOPC investigation found no evidence of direct contact between the vehicle and the e-bike immediately before the collision.
David Ford, director of the IOPC, said, “After a thorough review of the evidence and applying the relevant legal test, we have determined an officer should face disciplinary proceedings. It will be for a police disciplinary panel to determine whether the allegations are proven.”
A joint funeral for Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans took place in Ely on July 6, 2023.
Simon Belcher, Assistant Chief Constable of South Wales Police, said: “We hope that the outcome of the independent investigation and future inquest proceedings will provide answers to the many questions raised by this case. Our thoughts remain with the families, friends, and all those affected by the deaths of Harvey and Kyrees.”
