The tragic deaths of teenagers Harvey Evans, 15, and Kyrees Sullivan, 16, on May 2023, set off a series of events culminating in a significant riot in the Ely area of Cardiff. Fast forward to September 2024, and 31 individuals have now been formally charged in relation to the chaos that ensued.
Background of the Incident
On the evening of 22nd May 2023, Harvey Evans and Kyrees Sullivan tragically lost their lives in an e-bike crash on Snowden Road, Cardiff. The incident occurred at 6.02pm and soon after, disturbing footage surfaced on social media showing a police van following the teens’ bike just minutes before the crash.
The situation escalated as news of the crash spread throughout the community, leading to widespread grief and anger.
Response and Investigations
The police’s involvement in the minutes leading up to the crash prompted South Wales Police to refer itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). By July 2023, the IOPC had confirmed they were investigating the police van driver for dangerous driving – although this did not guarantee subsequent disciplinary or criminal proceedings.
Both families of the deceased expressed profound sorrow and urged for peace within the community, requesting that the police be allowed to conduct their investigation thoroughly. Harvey’s family described him as someone who lived life to the fullest, while Kyrees was remembered as a loving son and brother.
The community paid tribute to both teenagers, acknowledging the deep bonds they shared and the love they garnered from family and friends alike.
Unrest in Ely
Despite the appeals from the families for calm, the Ely area saw considerable unrest following the collision. Fireworks and other missiles were directed at police officers, with reports of at least two vehicles being set on fire. The violence resulted in injuries to a total of fifteen officers – eleven of whom required hospital treatment, while four others were treated on-site.
Amid fears of further disturbances, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) issued a plea for restraint, reminding the public and media that criminal proceedings must not be prejudiced. Jenny Hopkins, chief crown prosecutor for Wales, emphasized the defendants’ right to a fair trial and cautioned against any reportage or commentary that could influence the legal process.
The Legal Repercussions
The series of charges stemming from the riot include 27 individuals accused of participating in the riot and four others facing charges related to causing or threatening to cause criminal damage. The ages of those charged range from as young as 15 to individuals in their early fifties, highlighting the broad cross-section of the community involved.
Those accused are set to appear in Cardiff Magistrates’ Court over the coming weeks. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case remains a stark reminder of the tragic incident that ignited it all – the untimely deaths of two young boys beloved by their community.
The timeline of events leading up to the e-bike crash and the subsequent riot underscores the community’s need for answers and the quest for justice for Harvey and Kyrees. As investigations continue and the defendants face the courts, many hope for clarity and resolution to prevent such a tragedy from occurring again.
