24 May 2023 , 15:20
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New footage appears to show a police van trailing two tragic teens on an electric bike shortly before they crashed and died.
Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and Harvey Evans, 15, died in Ely, Cardiff on Monday with enraged locals rioting afterwards as they blamed police for harassing the teens.
South Wales police denied they were following the youths on Tuesday but CCTV from nearby Frank Road showed a police van one second behind them at 5:58pm.
The police again insisted they were not following the teens in a radio interview this morning, but newly emerged footage obtained by the Mirror today shows the same police van driving behind them half a mile away just minutes later on Stanway Road at approximately 6pm.
Locals believe the boys rode up Stanway Road to flee the police van knowing it had bollards at the other end meaning the police could not give chase.
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A police van seen appearing to pursue the two teens (Supplied)Tragically they died just moments later on Snowden Road at about 6:03pm.
A family member of Harvey told the Mirror: “The police told us that there were no vehicles in the area, they didn’t get chased and there was no sighting of them.
“But there it is, it’s all in the videos. The police are corrupt.
“These were vigilant police officers, that’s why they were chasing them.”
The family added that they are heartbroken following Harvey's death.
“Our hearts are truly broken by the sudden death of Harvey, our much-loved son, grandson, brother, nephew, friend, and boyfriend," the family added.
“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.
“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 has been described as a 'loving, caring young man' who was 'loved' by his family.
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Kyrees Sullivan, 15, and Harvey Evans, 16 (Facebook)Kyrees’ family said in a statement: “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 & laughs!!
“They were loved by not only their families but by their community as well. Belinda, Craig & families, would like to thank everyone for all their kind words, flowers, and messages since they lost their son.”
South Wales police vehemently deny following the teens and have referred themselves to the police watchdog, The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Alun Michael, the Police and Crime Commissioner for South Wales, again insisted the boys were not followed on radio this morning.
He said: "Information emerged after we had done the interview (on Tuesday) which has to be investigated, and the question has to be asked of whether there is a connection between earlier events and the road traffic accident itself.
The two teens seen passing first on an electric bike (Supplied)“We have to look at the facts of what actually happened on Monday.
“I am assured and I am still assured youths were not being chased by the police at the time of the road traffic accident.
“The road traffic accident is being carefully investigated but there wasn't a police vehicle in the road where and when the actual accident happened.
“The impression that was given was that of youngsters being chased by the police and an accident happened, an immediate one to the other.
“That I am still assured is not what happened but information emerged of the vehicle and the youngsters in the same street, a different street, shortly before the event, that of course then comes into something that should be investigated."
When it was suggested that this leaves open the possibility of a police chase, he replied: "It leaves open the possibility. I was assured there was not... police chasing the individuals at the time the accident happened.
The two teens later died tragically in a crash (Supplied)"That there may have been something earlier is of course something that should be fully investigated."
Meanwhile Ely remained tense as family and friends of the two boys visited the place where they died to show their respects throughout the day.
Many locals claimed tensions between themselves and the police had been simmering for some time.
It also emerged the parents of Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and Harvey Evans, 15, had been to see them at hospital and had been kept updated by South Wales Police, a family friend said.
"I'm OK in myself, I'm just absolutely devastated and heartbroken for my friends," they said.
“My heart is hurting.
The incident led to rioting (Getty Images)"That's the little boy I used to babysit and push around in a pram. It is so, so sad. They both went to see their boys yesterday and they are both very numb and haven't gone much to say at the moment."
Today South Wales police confirmed the CCTV clip from Frank Road would form part of its investigation.
In a press conference at 4.30pm, they issued a lengthy statement.
"South Wales Police is continuing to investigate a fatal road traffic collision and serious disorder which happened in the Ely area of Cardiff last night," the force said.
"At 6.03pm yesterday we received a report of a serious collision on Snowden Road which tragically resulted in the deaths of two teenage boys.
"The families of the two boys are being supported by family liaison officers. Our thoughts are with both families at this terrible time.
"An electric bike has been seized from the scene and enquiries are on-going to establish the exact circumstances.
"We have received CCTV footage which shows a police vehicle following a bike just prior to 6pm. This footage is being recovered as part of the investigation which will assist us in piecing together the circumstances leading up to the collision. The families are being kept up to date.
"We can confirm that following investigations carried out so far, that when then collision occurred, there were no police vehicles on Snowden Road. A police vehicle in Grand Avenue responded to the report of a collision, attended the area and the officers performed CPR.
"The investigation has involved studying CCTV and tracking data from the police vehicle.
"At this stage, we do not believe that any other vehicle was involved in the collision.
"During the disorder, 15 officers were injured requiring medical attention. Eleven went to hospital, four were treated at the scene. Our focus now is to fully investigate the circumstances of the collision and the appalling scenes that followed.
"We are appealing for witnesses, information, and footage from mobile phones and social media.
"We acknowledge the impact last night’s disorder had on local residents who were understandably very frightened. They have our assurances that we will be doing all we can to arrest those responsible. A number of people have already been arrested and more arrests will follow.
"We are extremely grateful for the support from the community and urge anyone with information to contact South Wales Police. South Wales Police has made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct to ensure the matter receives independent scrutiny.
"Information and digital footage can be submitted online via a public portal https://mipp.police.uk/operation/62SWP23B72-PO1. Alternatively, please contact South Wales Police by one of the following means quoting 2300166555."