Key Points
- Families of 15-year-old Harvey Evans and 16-year-old Kyrees Sullivan, who died in an e-bike crash in Ely, Cardiff, on 22 May 2023, state they have not received justice.
- At a pre-inquest hearing on 17 April 2026, a man claiming to be the cousin of one of the teens called for a jury inquest for a more robust examination.
- South Wales Police’s legal representative asserted that police actions did not contribute to the deaths, though they suggested considering an expanded inquest scope.
- CCTV footage showed a police van trailing the teens half a mile from the crash site earlier that evening.
- The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) found insufficient evidence to prosecute the police officer, a decision contested by families via victims’ rights to review.
- A South Wales Police officer faces a gross misconduct hearing, as decided by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) in August 2025.
- In June 2023, IOPC served misconduct notices to officers who followed the boys before the crash.
- The crash on Snowden Road triggered riots in Ely, leading to court charges against multiple individuals.
- A family member of Harvey Evans stated in 2023 that different police actions might have kept the boys alive, expressing fears of a cover-up.
Cardiff (Cardiff Daily) April 18,2026 –
In Ely, Cardiff, the families of Harvey Evans and Kyrees Sullivan continue to seek justice three years after the teenagers’ deaths in an e-bike collision on Snowden Road. At a pre-inquest hearing, a man identifying himself as the cousin of one of the deceased teens voiced the families’ frustration, stating they feel they have not had justice and requesting a jury inquest for a fuller probe.
The incident occurred on 22 May 2023, when 15-year-old Harvey Evans and 16-year-old Kyrees Sullivan crashed while riding a Sur-Ron e-bike, leading to their immediate deaths. CCTV evidence captured a South Wales Police van following the boys approximately half a mile from the crash location earlier that evening.
Why Are Families Demanding a Jury Inquest?
The families’ legal counsel argued at the hearing that a jury inquest would provide a more robust examination of events, downplaying concerns over potential delays. As reported by WalesOnline journalists, the counsel emphasised the need for thorough scrutiny despite South Wales Police’s position that their actions played no role in the tragedy.
South Wales Police’s barrister maintained, “Nothing they did contributed to these tragic [deaths],” and noted that evidence would show no police responsibility, though they did not oppose widening the inquest’s scope. This stance echoes earlier CPS findings in 2023, which deemed evidence insufficient for convicting the officer, prompting families to invoke their victims’ right to review.
Relatives have long questioned the police pursuit. A family member of Harvey Evans told The Guardian in June 2023,
“If the officers hadn’t acted as they did, the boys would be at home with us now. While we appreciate the issuance of these notices, we are concerned that it could be dismissed, or that there might be a cover-up. We seek justice for the families.”
What Role Did Police Play Before the Crash?
The IOPC launched investigations shortly after the incident. In June 2023, it served misconduct notices to officers for their interaction with the boys prior to the collision on Snowden Road. By August 2025, the IOPC determined that the van driver had a case to answer for gross misconduct, as detailed in their official statement:
“The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has concluded a South Wales Police officer has a case to answer for gross misconduct in connection with our investigation into an e-bike crash in which two boys died.”
BBC News reported on 28 August 2025 that the officer, who drove the van behind the teenagers, faces a misconduct hearing over his account of events. Sky News echoed this, noting the IOPC’s call for a gross misconduct panel following the 22 May 2023 crash.
The IOPC focused on “the nature of police interaction with boys before collision,” according to their 2023 update. Chief Superintendent Martyn Stone of South Wales Police referred the matter mandatorily to the IOPC post-riots, ensuring independent scrutiny.
How Did the Crash Spark Riots in Ely?
The tragedy ignited unrest in Ely, Cardiff, on the night of 22 May 2023. As covered by The Independent on 26 May 2023, Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans’ deaths prompted riots, with a family member explaining,
“That’s what got everyone angry, so I understand because we wasn’t getting no answers.”
Court proceedings followed. Guernsey Press reported on 20 September 2024 that five adults and eight youths appeared charged over the riot linked to the e-bike deaths. This violence stemmed directly from community outrage over the crash and perceived police involvement.
Vigils marked the first anniversary on 26 May 2023, as noted in the Western Mail, remembering Harvey Evans and Kyrees Sullivan.[user-provided]
What Is the Status of Legal Proceedings?
The pre-inquest hearing on 17 April 2026 revisited calls for a jury, with families prioritising depth over speed. The CPS review upheld no charges against police, but IOPC proceedings advance separately.
No trial date for the misconduct hearing appears set in recent reports. South Wales Police maintains their non-involvement, pending full evidence presentation.
A 2023 Western Mail article highlighted ongoing family vigil efforts in Ely.[user-provided]
Background of the E-Bike Deaths Development
The sequence began on 22 May 2023, when Harvey Evans, 15, and Kyrees Sullivan, 16, collided fatally on a Sur-Ron e-bike in Ely, Cardiff’s Snowden Road. Police pursuit footage emerged swiftly, leading to IOPC intervention and misconduct notices by June 2023.
Riots ensued that night, resulting in charges against 13 individuals by September 2024. CPS declined prosecution in 2023; families challenged via review. IOPC ruled for gross misconduct in August 2025. The 17 April 2026 pre-inquest hearing crystallised family demands for a jury-led process.
Prediction: Impact on Ely Families and Community
This development could prolong uncertainty for the families of Harvey Evans and Kyrees Sullivan, as a jury inquest might extend proceedings but allow deeper evidence review. Ely residents may face renewed focus on youth safety and police-community relations, potentially influencing local policing practices amid past riot fallout.
The misconduct hearing outcome might shape trust in South Wales Police among affected families and the wider Ely community, depending on findings. Delays from expanded scope could test family resilience, while fuller disclosure might address lingering questions from the 2023 events.
