Nine people have been arrested after a riot took place in response to the death of two teenagers in Cardiff.
South Wales Police confirmed five males between the ages of 15 and 21 were detained during the early hours of Thursday - they remain in custody. It comes after four people were arrested during the riot, including two 15-year-old boys from Ely and Llanrumney, a 16-year-old boy from Ely, and a 15-year-old girl from Roath.
They were released pending further inquiries and currently remain on police bail. The two boys that died, Harvey Evans, 15, and Kyrees Sullivan, 16, were riding a Sur-Ron bike which crashed in the Ely area just after 6pm on day.
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CCTV from the area confirmed police were following the teenagers despite South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Alun Michael dismissing it the following day as 'rumour'. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched an investigation into "any interaction" between the police and teenagers before the crash.
“The disorder followed a fatal road traffic collision in Snowden Road, Ely, which tragically claimed the lives of best friends Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans,” a South Wales Police statement released on Thursday said. “Our thoughts are with their families and friends, and everyone affected by this terrible incident.
"The families continue to be supported by family liaison officers. In relation to the disorder, nine people have now been arrested. Five of the nine were arrested early this morning (Thursday, May 25).
“Four males aged 16, 17, 18 and 29 were arrested in the Ely area and one man aged 21 was arrested in Tremorfa. They all remain in custody on suspicion of riot.
“This follows four arrests on the night and day following the disorder of two 15-year-old boys from Ely and Llanrumney, a 15-year-old girl from Roath and a 16-year-old boy from Ely. They are all on police bail pending further inquiries.”
“During the incident several vehicles were set alight, property was damaged, police officers were injured, and people were scared in their own homes,” they added. More arrests are expected as we continue to identify those involved.”
As part of its investigation into the riot, South Wales Police has recovered 180 pieces of body-worn footage from police officers at the scene. They added that officers are going through hundreds of hours of public CCTV and videos posted on social media.
The force appealed for witnesses to come forward with information that might help inquiries. Kevin Brennan, Labour MP for Cardiff West, speaking at business questions in Parliament said: "Can we have a debate on community safety, including the regulation of e-bikes and scooters?”
Mr Brennan added: “And in doing so can I express my condolences to the grieving families of Harvey Evans and Kyrees Sullivan, who died in the tragic incident in Ely in my constituency this week, and also express solidarity with the residents who suffered the effects of the aftermath and the police officers who were injured in the ensuing disruption.”
Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt replied: “I shall make sure the department has heard the honourable gentleman’s concerns today and I’m sure if he were to apply for a debate it would be well attended.”
A statement released by Harvey’s school, Bryn y Deryn Carnegie Centre, described him as “a popular member of our school community”.
They said: “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 focussed young man.”
Greenhill school, where Kyrees was a pupil, said he would be remembered for his “quick wit and ability to make those around him smile”.
“Words cannot describe how sorry our whole school community is to hear of the tragic loss of Kyrees Sullivan,” the school said in a post on social media.
“He will always be remembered for his quick wit and ability to make those around him smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all who were close to him.”
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