How the deaths of two boys sparked chaos – now seven men will pay the price for their part

Mass violence and chaos broke out on the streets of Cardiff. Seven men were among those who took part, but they are only part of the story, as Philip Dewey reports

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of people involved in a riot that shook the community of Ely to its core.

“Anger, despair and distress” at the death of two teenage boys led to chaos on the streets which lasted all night.

Bricks, bottles, glass, stones and fireworks were among the missiles thrown at police officers who lined the streets. Many of them were left injured and traumatised.

Property was damaged, with cars overturned and set alight, mattresses and doors thrown at police, even a petrol bomb, which struck an officer and engulfed her in flames.

Here is the full story of the Ely riot and the roles of the participants who have been convicted following a trial.

The death of Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans

Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and Harvey Evans, 15, were killed on May 22, 2023, while riding an electric bike through the streets of Ely. The two boys were involved in a fatal collision, and were later pronounced dead at the scene.

The mothers of the two teenagers attempted to run to their children, grief-stricken and in desperation, but their path was blocked by the police as the emergency services battled to save the boys’ lives.

Moments after the collision, large crowds consisting of members of the close-knit community of Ely came out to witness the horror as it unfolded. Shock and sadness quickly tuned to distress and anger as rumours circulated that the police were responsible for the death of Kyrees and Harvey, who had previously been pursued by a police van.

Speaking at a trial at Newport Crown Court, prosecutor Matthew Cobbe said: “It was clear from communication directed at the police who attended, from the crowd that they, the police, were being blamed for the crash.”

After the deaths of Kyrees and Harvey had been confirmed, the boys remained lying dead on the ground as the investigation into their deaths began immediately.