In Cardiff, tensions soared following the tragic deaths of Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and Harvey Evans, 15, who lost their lives in an e-bike crash. Their passing led to unrest in the Ely area, involving around 150 people clashing with police, with missiles flying and chaos unfolding. Among those caught up in the turmoil was 20-year-old Liam Williams from Rumney, who has now confessed to participating in the riots. Originally pleading not guilty, Williams has since changed his stance and will be sentenced soon.
The fallout from this tragic incident saw 42 individuals charged, with some already facing court, including six others who were found guilty of rioting. A second trial is on the horizon, with proceedings set for early February 2026.
Amid the legal developments, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has been probing the police response to the crash. While no direct contact between the police vehicle and the e-bike was found, questions have arisen about an officer’s conduct. Accusations have been made regarding possible misconduct concerning the officer’s driving and his interaction with the boys, raising concerns about adherence to police conduct standards.
CCTV footage revealed a police van trailing the teenagers, yet it was some distance away at the time of the crash. The IOPC has decided that the officer should face a disciplinary hearing to ascertain the facts.
David Ford of the IOPC conveyed deep sympathies to the families and the local community affected by this heart-wrenching loss, underlining the significant impact the boys’ deaths had on everyone involved.
Stay tuned for more updates as this case unfolds, bringing clarity to an emotionally charged and tragic episode in Cardiff’s recent history.