Family tributes and photos have been shared of two "best friends" who died in a fatal crash in Cardiff. The two teenagers had previously been named locally as Harvey Evans, 15, and Kyrees Sullivan, 16. This has now been confirmed by South Wales Police.
Police said they attended a serious crash on Snowden Road, Ely, at 6.03pm on Monday, May 22. However the police's involvement in the circumstances leading to the crash have been questioned after CCTV footage emerged of a force van following two people on a bike in Frank Road 900m (2,953ft) away from the site of the suspected crash.
South Wales Police has said that the CCTV footage will form part of their investigation and that no police vehicle was in Snowden Road at the time of the crash. The Independent Office for Police Conduct has confirmed it will investigate the circumstances around the crash after South Wales Police referred themselves. The families of both Harvey and Kyrees have now released tributes to the boys through the police.
Read more: Police hold second press conference and answer questions on Ely crash and disorder
Paying tribute to Harvey, 15, his family said: “Our hearts are truly broken by the sudden death of Harvey, our much-loved son, grandson, brother, nephew, friend, and boyfriend. He lived life to the full, he had a big heart, and deep down he truly cared. He was a best friend to Kyrees and our thoughts and prayers are with his family also."
There were riots in Ely on Monday night shortly after the crash as around 150 people turned up for a large disturbance which saw cars torched and fireworks thrown at police. Harvey's family have now called for "peace".
They said: “We ask for peace within the community and request that people leave the investigation to the police so we can get the answers we so desperately need to lay Harvey to rest. As Harvey’s mum I want to remember our son as the fun and loving son that he was and not as the media are portraying him now."
Kyrees’ family said in a tribute: “Kyrees was a loving, caring, handsome young man; a loving son to Belinda and Craig, little brother to Aleah and Jordan, and a special uncle KyKy to Myra.
“He was loved so much by his grandparents and aunties and uncles and his many cousins. Him and Harvey along with Niall were best friends since they were young and went everywhere together. They both had so many friends and were very well-liked doing many things together, having fun and laughs!
“They were loved by not only their families but by their community as well. Belinda, Craig, and families would like to thank everyone for all their kind words, flowers, and messages since they lost their son.”
The boys' schools have also paid tributes to them. Greenhill School where Kyrees attended said: "Words cannot describe how sorry the whole school community is to hear of the tragic loss of Kyrees Sullivan. He will always be remembered for his quick wit and ability to make those around him smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and all who were close to him in this time of grief."
A tribute to Harvey from Bryn-y-Deryn School reads: "Harvey was a popular member of our school community. He was an able learner. He always arrived to school with big smile on his face and wisdom to share! He was an excellent sportsman and loved to debate on matters that he was passionate about. Our school community are devastated at the loss of this fun, kind, family-focused young man."
Anyone with any information can contact South Wales Police. Information and digital footage can be submitted online via a public portal here.
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