Cops face more questions as they admit police van was following boys just 85 SECONDS before crash that sparked riot
COPS have admitted a police van WAS following two boys just 85 seconds before a crash which sparked violent riots.
Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and Harvey Evans, 15, were tragically killed on Monday night in Ely, Cardiff, when the electric bike they were on crashed.
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Their deaths sparked riots on the residential street after rumours that officers were to blame for the smash started spreading.
Alun Michael, crime commissioner for South Wales, previously rubbished the claims of a pursuit prior to the smash.
But footage from a RingDoorbell cam shows two young lads racing down the road – shortly followed by a police van which did not have it’s blue lights nor sirens illuminated.
Cops today confirmed this footage was taken at 52 seconds past 6pm on Monday.
Then, just 85 seconds later at 18:02.17, the tragic smash occurred.
Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Bacon said there were no blue lights or sirens activated in the CCTV footage.
She said: “At 5.49pm CCTV shows the bike travelling towards the police vehicle in Frank Road. The bike then turns around.
“At 6.pm the bike is followed by the police vehicle, which you have already seen on CCTV images.
“Blue lights or sirens were not illuminated.”
Deputy Chief Constable Bacon explained the police vehicle travelled across New Ely Church roundabout before going down Archer, Stanway and Howell Road.
It then turned onto Grand Avenue at 6.02.31pm.
“Between 6.02.17pm and 6.02.41 is the approximate time of the road traffic collision in Snowden Road,” added the Deputy Chief Constable.
“At the time of the collision, the police van is in Grand Avenue, half a mile away from Snowden Road.”
At 6.06.59pm, the timeline showed: “The police vehicle is on Cowbridge Road West when it receives information about a road traffic collision, illuminates blue lights and makes its way to the collision scene.”
The Deputy Chief Constable stated again: “There was no police vehicle in Snowden Road at the time of the collision and we believe there were no other vehicles involved in the incident.”
At the time of the collision, the police van is in Grand Avenue, half a mile away from Snowden Road.”
Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Bacon
She confirmed South Wales Police have made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct to ensure the matter receives independent scrutiny.
“We will provide them with all the information we have, and they will undertake an independent investigation”, she added.
On the riots that have taken place since the tragic deaths, the Deputy Chief Constable said: “Nothing can excuse the level of violence and disorder which followed in the community.
“Property was damaged and people were scared in their own homes.
“Our focus now is to fully investigate the circumstances of the collision and the appalling scenes that followed.”
In their appeal for witnesses, information, and footage, South Wales Police say they have recovered 180 pieces of police body cam footage.
“Anyone who has footage of Monday’s events can upload it via a link on our website”, urged Deputy Chief Constable Bacon.
“We are extremely grateful for the support from the community so far and urge anyone with information to contact South Wales Police.”
This comes as heartbreaking tributes have poured in for the young lads who lost their lives.
There was no police vehicle in Snowden Road at the time of the collision and we believe there were no other vehicles involved in the incident.
Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Bacon
Devastated Harvey’s mum wrote: “Our hearts are truly broken by the sudden death of Harvey, our much-loved son, grandson, brother, nephew, friend, and boyfriend.
“He lived life to the full, he had a big heart and deep down he truly cared. He was a best friend to Kyrees, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family also.
“We ask for peace within the community and request that people leave the investigation to the police so we can get the answers we so desperately need to lay Harvey to rest.
“As Harvey’s mum I want to remember our son as the fun and loving son that he was and not as the media are portraying him now”.
Kyrees’ family also paid tribute to their “loved” boy.
They wrote: “Kyrees was a loving, caring handsome young man, a loving son to Belinda and Craig, little brother to Aleah and Jordan and a special uncle KyKy to Myra.
“He was loved so much by his grandparents and aunties and uncles and his many cousins.
“Him and Harvey along with Niall were best friends since they were young and went everywhere together, they both had so many friends and were very well liked doing many things together, having fun & laughs!!
“They were loved by not only their families but by their community as well. Belinda, Craig & families, would like to thank everyone for all their kind words, flowers, and messages since they lost their son.”
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