In a decision that has drawn significant public attention, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has announced that a South Wales police officer will not face criminal charges in connection with the tragic deaths of two teenagers involved in an e-bike crash in Cardiff. The CPS concluded that there was insufficient evidence to establish a realistic prospect of conviction against the officer who was driving a police van that followed the teens shortly before the incident took place.

The deceased, Kyrees Sullivan, aged 16, and Harvey Evans, aged 15, were riding an electric bike when they fatally crashed on Snowden Road at approximately 6:00 PM BST on May 22, 2023. This heartbreaking event not only claimed the lives of the young boys but also set off a wave of unrest in the Ely suburb of Cardiff, where a riot ensued in response to the tragedy.

Following the crash, rumors began circulating on social media that the teenagers had been pursued by the police immediately before the accident. This sparked outrage among the local community, leading to a gathering of approximately 100 to 150 individuals in Ely that evening. The protest escalated into violence, resulting in cars being set ablaze and fireworks being hurled at law enforcement officers. The chaos continued into the early hours of the following day, with 15 police officers sustaining injuries and property being damaged in the turmoil. In the aftermath of the riot, over 40 individuals were charged with various public order offenses, among whom nine were minors.

Initially, Alun Michael, the former South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, insisted that police were not following the teenagers prior to the crash. However, a subsequent analysis of CCTV footage by BBC Verify revealed otherwise, showing police vehicles trailing the boys just moments before the fatal incident occurred. Following this revelation, South Wales Police acknowledged that their officers had indeed been pursuing the teenagers shortly before the crash. In light of these events, the police force referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for further investigation.

The IOPC issued gross misconduct notices to the driver of the police van as well as another officer who was present in the vehicle at the time of the incident. However, it is important to note that the issuance of these notices does not automatically imply that disciplinary actions would follow. The CPS had also been investigating the officer for allegations of dangerous driving in relation to the events leading up to the crash.

On Monday, Malcolm McHaffie, head of the CPS's special crime division, stated, “Following a thorough and detailed review of the evidence regarding a single allegation of dangerous driving in this case, we have decided that no criminal charges will be brought against a South Wales Police officer. We have concluded that there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction.” He acknowledged that this decision would likely be met with disappointment by the families of both boys and offered to meet with them to provide a more in-depth explanation of the reasoning behind the decision.