Ely was in chaos as shocking footage from the riots unveils what happened when the emotions boiled over. A video shown in court reveals police officers under siege as fireworks, bottles, and bricks rained down on them. It’s a gripping peek into the turmoil that erupted in this Cardiff suburb after the tragic deaths of teenagers Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans during an e-bike collision.
As tensions rose, what initially was grief and distress morphed into intense hostility towards the police, who were accused of having a hand in the tragedy. Prosecutor Matthew Cobbe painted a vivid picture for the jury: “Fireworks were thrown, cars were trashed and set ablaze, and even petrol bombs targeted officers—it was utter havoc for hours.”
This riot didn’t just leave scars on officers, both physically and mentally, but the community felt the brunt too. Homes and cars suffered damage, with terrifying scenes unfolding right outside their front doors. Mr. Cobbe made it clear, though, that not everyone in Ely was behind this wave of violence: “While some acted with hostility, many residents were bewildered and frightened by the madness around them.”
Eight individuals, including Luke Williams and Michaela Gonzales, are facing the courts, all pleading not guilty to the charges of rioting. As the trial at Newport Crown Court unfolds, the chilling video evidence gives a startling insight into the chaos that swept through a once-peaceful neighbourhood.
Stay tuned as the trial continues and more details emerge about that night in Ely when the streets turned into a battleground. 🌟🔥👮♂️