IG News Updates,
Family members of two boys killed while riding an electric bike in Cardiff have said it was an early birthday present for the younger of the victims – an occasion he will never get to celebrate.
After a community vigil in Ely on Friday night for 16-year-old Kiris Sullivan and 15-year-old Harvey Evans, the little boy’s aunt and grandmother said he should have seen his 16th birthday next month.
Balloons, fireworks and flares were set off to remember the teenagers whose deaths sparked riots and claims that the police were following them shortly before they died.
CCTV footage of a marked South Wales Police van chasing the teenagers as they rode a Sur-Rhon electric bike quickly spread on social media after the incident, leading to violent clashes and disorder in Ely.
Harvey’s aunt Hayley Murphy and grandmother Dawn Rees told the BBC for the first time since the horrific crash on Monday evening that the boy’s mother stood at a police barrier for more than two hours, begging to know where he was. The son and his friend are still alive or not. ,
Ms Murphy said: “We were standing at the barrier and we were begging them, begging them, tell us if they were alive or dead, and they told us nothing – and then someone ran into the crowd Went over and said ‘I’ve got a video of them being chased by the police’, and that’s where it started.
“That’s what pissed everyone off, I think because we weren’t getting any answers.”
Nine people were arrested and 15 police officers were injured in the riots.
The stalking claims were dismissed by South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Alun Michael, but the force confirmed that a van was following Kyres and Harvey.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into the circumstances.
Recalling Harvey, both women said they loved e-bikes and scooters and “did everything” with their friend Kyris.
“They loved each other like brothers,” Ms Rees said.
Ms Murphy also voiced her lack of faith and trust in the police – sentiments that were echoed by other family members at the 1,500-strong vigil earlier that night.
John O’Driscoll, Harvey’s great uncle, said Monday night’s riot was “wrong” but “was out of desperation”.
“It was because a lot of boys used to get abused by the police here and so things started,” he said.
“They were just young boys. Everyone here rides bikes and scooties. Yes, we harass them but that’s all they do.
“But as soon as those jawans saw that he was not wearing a helmet, they should have stopped.”
Another of Harvey’s uncles, speaking at the vigil, said: “We have all been tarred with the same brush here, especially given what happened on Monday.
“But this is the real Eli. Look how many people have turned up to pay their respects.
“The only difference between Monday and today is that there are no police here.”
It is understood that the police were asked not to attend.
Many of those present carried blue balloons and wore white T-shirts emblazoned with pictures of Kyris and Harvey, while others silently wept.
There was a moment’s silence before the crowd burst into applause.
Hundreds of wreaths and messages have been left at the crash site in Snowden Road since Monday.
Earlier, the IOPC appealed for witnesses who may have seen the moments before the accident.
It added that the investigation was examining “the nature of police interactions” with Kyrees and Harvey and the “appropriateness” of the officers’ decisions and actions.
The watchdog is also considering whether the actions of the police officers in the van warranted the chase, and whether the interactions between the officers and the boys “were appropriately reported by the officers before and after the collision”.
IOPC director David Ford: “Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family and friends of Kyrees and Harvey, as well as all those affected by the loss of two young lives in a close-knit community like Ely’s.
“Our investigators are making inquiries and obtaining evidence from the immediate vicinity of the incident, speaking to local residents, distributing leaflets and gathering as much relevant information as possible.
“I am really grateful for the support and help we have received from the people in the local community.
“We are working hard to establish the exact circumstances of what happened in the period prior to the collision. I want to assure everyone in the community that our work will be thorough, impartial and independent of the police.
Politicians and community leaders met to discuss the situation in the aftermath of Monday’s tragedy.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “This week, two families are grieving for their sons and the people of Ely have experienced collective trauma.
“My thoughts are with the families and friends of Harvey and Kyris.
“Representatives from the local community and public agencies, including Action in Carrow and Ely, the Welsh Government and Cardiff Council met in Ely today.
“We have agreed to jointly sponsor a grassroots initiative to create a community plan for Ely to respond to the long-term needs of residents. It will focus on actions and outcomes for people in Ely.”