UK
Cardiff: 31 charged over riot following deaths of teenagers on e-bike in Ely last year
A total of 31 people have been charged in connection with the riots in Cardiff last year.
Some 27 people have been charged with the offence of riot, while a further four have been charged with causing or threatening to cause criminal damage.
The disorder in the Ely area of Cardiff last May followed the tragic deaths of teenagers Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans who died in a crash involving an electric bike.
The crash happened on Snowden Road at 6.02pm on 22 May.
South Wales Police referred itself to the police watchdog (the IOPC) after footage was shared on social media of a police vehicle appearing to follow the two boys on the bike in the minutes before the crash.
Map of Ely in Cardiff where riots broke out after a fatal crash
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In July last year, the IOPC confirmed the driver of the van was under criminal investigation for dangerous driving.
It emphasised that this did not necessarily mean disciplinary or criminal proceedings would follow.
Harvey’s family said their hearts were “truly broken”, describing the 15-year-old as someone who lived “life to the full”.
His family also appealed for “peace within the community” and asked people to allow the police to investigate the crash.
Harvey Evans, 15, and Kyrees Sullivan, 16
Kyrees was a “handsome young man” and a “loving son and brother”, his family said.
They added that he and Harvey “went everywhere together” and were loved “not only by their families but by their community as well”.
Following the collision, fireworks and other missiles were thrown at a line of police officers, while at least two vehicles were set alight.
Police confirmed shortly after the incident that 11 injured officers were taken to hospital, while four others were treated at the scene.
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The Crown Prosecution Service said there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could prejudice legal proceedings.
“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against these individuals are now active and that they have a right to a fair trial,” said Jenny Hopkins, the CPS’s chief crown prosecutor for Wales.
The defendants range in age from 15 to 53 and are expected to appear at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court in the coming weeks.