What Happened in Cardiff Last Night? What Caused the Riots?
by Aishwarya R | Updated May 24, 2023
Cardiff Riot
Two teenage boys who tragically lost their lives in a fatal crash in Cardiff have been identified as Harvey Evans, 15, and Kyrees Sullivan, 16. The incident was followed by a riot, raising concerns about the police's actions leading up to the accident. The crash occurred in the Ely area of the city at around 6 pm. While the cause of the riot is still unknown, there were rumors circulating on social media that the boys had been chased by the police. South Wales Police, however, stated that their officers did not arrive at the scene until after the crash.
On Tuesday afternoon, CCTV footage surfaced showing a police van closely trailing two individuals on an electric bike or moped, approximately 900 meters away from the crash site. The video, obtained by Wales News from a private CCTV camera attached to a house, was widely viewed in the local area and had also been seen by the families of the deceased boys.
Chief Superintendent Martyn Stone of the South Wales Police confirmed that they had received the footage. He added that there were no police vehicles on the road at the time of the crash but acknowledged that the video showed a police vehicle following a bike just before 6 pm. As a result, the police force has referred itself to the police watchdog.
Following the crash, a riot erupted, resulting in a major incident where police officers were targeted. Kyrees's mother, Belinda Sullivan, expressed her distress on Facebook, revealing that she was unable to see her son's body due to the riotous crowd attacking the police. She pleaded for the violence to cease so she could bid farewell to her son properly.
Harvey's godmother, Bridy Bool, described him as a social butterfly who enjoyed motorcycles, bicycles, and football. The two boys were best friends and shared common interests. Both families are devastated by the loss of their sons.
What Happened in Cardiff Last Night?
During the riot, some individuals wore balaclavas, and paving slabs were forcibly removed from the ground and hurled at the police. It is estimated that up to 12 officers sustained injuries. The police have already made several arrests and anticipate more in the future. The South Wales Police is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash and the subsequent riot, seeking to establish the causes and ensure that justice is served.
Police officers faced a significant outbreak of disorder, which they referred to as "large-scale disorder," as scores of youths engaged in disruptive activities for several hours. Specially trained public order officers were deployed to handle the situation as multiple vehicles were set on fire, property was damaged, and officers sustained injuries. Live-streamed footage on YouTube depicted young individuals hurling fireworks and other projectiles at a line of police officers equipped with riot shields, who had formed a barrier at one end of the street.
Just before midnight, a car was ignited, and shortly thereafter, a second vehicle was overturned and also set ablaze. In response to potential threats, police, including mounted officers on horseback, positioned themselves outside Ely police station in the early hours of Tuesday. At around 3 am, rioters moved along Highmead Road in Ely, with police officers attempting to disperse them.
Throughout the incident, the rioters persisted in throwing projectiles and setting cars on fire. Additionally, they ignited rubbish and wheelie bins as they were pushed through the streets by police personnel in armored vehicles. The Telegraph reported on the outbreak of the riot in Cardiff, documenting the clashes between the crowd and the police.
Rumors Behind the Cardiff Riot
Initially, rumors spread on social media claiming that the two boys were being pursued by the police, but South Wales Police later clarified that the collision had already occurred prior to the officers' arrival. Alun Michael, the Police and Crime Commissioner for South Wales, explained in an interview with the BBC that the incident involved a road traffic accident where two teenagers riding an off-road bike or scooter tragically lost their lives. He emphasized that this incident is being thoroughly investigated as an independent matter.
He further stated that the disorder and violence that followed, resulting in injuries to around a dozen officers (fortunately none of them life-threatening), seem to be unrelated and their connection to the initial collision remains unclear. The commissioner mentioned that rumors began circulating, and they quickly escalated, suggesting that a police chase had taken place, which was not the case. During the course of the violence, a senior officer at the scene revealed that an individual was attacked by the rioters under the false belief that the person was an undercover officer.
Statement of Police
South Wales Police have confirmed that arrests have been made in relation to the incident, although the exact number has not been disclosed. Assistant Chief Constable Mark Travis expressed condolences to the families of the two boys who tragically lost their lives in the collision in Ely and extended sympathies to those affected by the subsequent disorder. He emphasized that such scenes of unrest are not expected in communities, particularly in close-knit areas like Ely.
The police received numerous calls from frightened residents who witnessed the actions of the large group that was intent on engaging in criminal activities and causing disorder. ACC Travis denounced the level of violence directed towards the emergency services and the extent of damage inflicted upon property and vehicles. He firmly stated that such behavior is completely unacceptable.
What Happened in Cardiff Last Night - FAQs
The cause of the riot in Cardiff is still under investigation. It is believed to have been sparked by a road traffic accident involving two teenagers, which tragically resulted in their deaths. The exact reasons behind the subsequent disorder are yet to be established.
Initially, rumors circulated on social media claiming that the two boys were being chased by the police. However, South Wales Police clarified that the collision had already occurred when officers arrived at the scene. The connection between the boys' deaths and any police involvement in the incident remains unclear.
South Wales Police have confirmed that arrests have been made in connection with the disorder. However, the specific number of arrests has not been disclosed at this time.
South Wales Police took several actions to address the situation. Specially trained public order officers were deployed to handle the disorder. Mounted officers on horseback were also seen outside Ely police station as a precautionary measure. The police worked to disperse the rioters, protect property, and ensure the safety of the community and officers.
During the riot, a number of officers sustained injuries, but fortunately, none of the injuries were life-threatening. The exact extent of injuries among the rioters is not specified in the provided information.