An officer has been served a notice of misconduct by the police watchdog investigating a crash in Cardiff that left three people dead and two injured. Eve Smith, 21, and Darcy Ross, 21, both of Newport, and Rafel Jeanne, 24, of Cardiff, were found dead on March 6 after the Volkswagen Tiguan they had been travelling in was discovered having crashed off the A48 near St Mellons.
Sophie Russon, 20, from Newport, and Shane Loughlin, 32, from Cardiff, survived the crash. Inquests have since opened into the deaths.
Before the crash was discovered appeals from friends and families were issued after they received no contact from those missing following a night out in Newport but their worst fears were later confirmed as reality. The crash is believed to have happened in the early hours of Saturday, March 4, and the crash site was not found until the early hours of Monday, March 6.
Both South Wales Police and Gwent Police have both referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over their respective handlings of the case. On Thursday the IOPC said that based on the evidence they have so far they have "served a notice at the level of misconduct on a Gwent Police officer". A statement said it concerned "their review of the missing persons’ logs and relevant risk assessments". In a statement they added: "We are also considering whether the age of the missing persons impacted on the officer’s decision-making. Such notices advise an officer they are subject to investigation and are kept under review. They do not necessarily mean that any disciplinary proceedings will follow."
The statement from the watchdog on Thursday also provided a broader overview of their ongoing investigation. It said: "We are gathering statements from relevant police personnel involved including officers who attended the collision scene, those who took the missing person reports, control room staff, and officers who reviewed and determined the risk assessment gradings for the reports. We are reviewing internal communication between the police officers and staff identified as being involved along with CCTV from relevant police stations. We are speaking to the National Police Air Service about the involvement of a police helicopter during the search.
"We are considering the missing person policies of both Gwent Police and South Wales Police along with relevant national police guidance. Investigators have met with the families to understand the contact they had with police and the situation they encountered at the collision scene."
IOPC director David Ford said “Our thoughts and sympathies remain with the families and friends of those who tragically lost their lives and to those who were left seriously injured by this incident. We know that the awful events which unfolded across the weekend in early March have impacted many in the local community.
“Our investigators have met with all the families involved and we are in contact with them on a regular basis to keep them updated on the progress of our investigation. IOPC staff have also met with a number of local community leaders and elected officials to explain our role and the scope of our investigation. We have gathered a significant amount of evidence since our investigation began and we will ensure that our investigation continues to be thorough and timely. While we are investigating an officer for potential misconduct it is only at the end of our investigation once we have established all the facts that we will make a decision as to whether the officer has any case to answer.”
The IOPC investigation is examining both Gwent and South Wales Police’s response to the missing person reports made between Saturday, March 4, and Sunday, March 5. In particular they say they are investigating:
- the actions and decisions of the police officers and control room staff dealing with the missing person reports up to the discovery of the vehicle and the five missing persons;
- whether the missing person reports were appropriately risk assessed, reviewed, and resourced;
- whether police action was in accordance with the relevant legislation and local and national guidance, policies, and procedures regarding missing persons, and;
- the contact and communication between the police and the families of the deceased and injured missing persons before the vehicle was discovered..
The statement concluded: "The investigation will also aim to establish whether the actions or inactions of the two police forces contributed to the deaths and serious injuries sustained in the incident."
Hundreds of people attended the funerals for the three young people who died in the crash. Miss Smith was described as "brave, courageous, talented and beautiful". Mr Jeanne, 24, a former pupil at Ysgol Glantaf, was described as a "joyful pupil, full of life and energy at school, popular and a very sincere friend."
A boxing event raised almost £30,000 for the families of the three young women involved in the crash. Survivor Ms Russon attended event at The Neon venue in Newport. Organiser Mark Brogan said the way the community came together was "amazing".
Gwent Police has responded to the update saying they will continue to be "open and transparent" with investigators.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hobrough said: ‘’Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Darcy, Eve and Rafel who tragically lost their lives that night, as well as Sophie and Shane and their loved ones.
“We understand how vital the findings of this investigation will be to the individuals and families affected by this event, and to the wider community.
“The IOPC has led this investigation, and we’re grateful for their prompt and thorough response to such a complex matter with this latest update.
“We will continue to co-operate with their investigation in an open and transparent manner.”
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