Thirty-one charged in connection with Ely riot

Thirty-one people have been charged in connection with a riot in Cardiff following the deaths of two teenagers.

The disorder in Ely began shortly after 18:00 BST on May 22, 2023, when friends Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and Harvey Evans, 15, were killed in a cycling accident on Snowden Road.

Twenty-seven people were charged with affray, while four others were charged with causing or threatening to cause criminal damage.

The defendants are due to appear at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on September 19 and 20.

The defendants range in age from 15 to 53, with eight defendants under the age of 18.

Jenny Hopkins, of the Public Prosecution Service (CPS), said: “We have authorised South Wales Police to charge 27 defendants with the offence of rioting.

“Four other defendants have been charged with causing or threatening to cause criminal damage.”

Fifteen police officers were injured in the confusion, which resulted in property damage and car fires.

Claims that the teenagers were being followed by an unmarked police van minutes before they died began spreading rapidly on social media following the crash.

Crowds of about 100 to 150 people gathered at the site of the boys’ deaths shortly afterward.

Former South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Alun Michael initially insisted the two teenagers were not being followed by police before they died.

But after the release of CCTV footage reviewed by BBC Verify, police confirmed their officers were following the teenagers.

Gross misconduct notices were issued to the driver and passenger of the police van that was following the two teenagers.

The driver is also under criminal investigation for dangerous driving by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

South Wales Police Superintendent Danny Richards said: “During the disturbance, several vehicles were set on fire, property was damaged, officers were injured and residents were left frightened in their homes.

“We are extremely grateful for the community’s support throughout our investigation and now await the outcome of the court case.”