Rioters' families may face eviction, council warns

CARDIFF council has written to a number of council tenants warning them they face eviction if a member of the household is convicted for offences related to the Ely riot which broke out following the death of two teenage boys in 2023.

- ELLIE GOSLEY

The possession notices, which were sent to 17 homes earlier this month, were issued after the council was informed by South Wales Police about members of the household being arrested or charged in connection with the Ely riot. If convicted, the council says that due to the offences being committed in the locality of their home, it would constitute a breach of their tenancy contract with Cardiff council.

The letters informed tenants of this potential breach and said that if the individuals concerned are convicted and sentenced, the council may go to court to seek repossession of the home.

A spokesman for Cardiff council said this notice is the “initial legal step in addressing tenancy issues and does not necessarily lead to eviction”.

It serves as a “warning” that legal action could be taken, they added.

A total of 42 people were charged over their alleged involvement with the riot and have appeared in various courts.

Violent disorder broke out in the Cardiff suburb after Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and 15-year-old Harvey Evans were killed on May 22, 2023, when their e-bike crashed.

The boys' deaths sparked hours of violence and vandalism, with around 150 people attending a riot which saw missiles thrown at police. Footage later emerged of a police van following the two teenagers moments before the crash.