IOPC to Investigate Police Forces Over Fatal Crash

The Independent Office for Police Conduct has announced it will investigate police actions following a crash in Cardiff which lead to three people dying and another two being critically injured.

Eve Smith, Darcy Ross, and Rafel Jeanne died in the incident. Two others remain in a critical condition.

The IOPC will examine what information police had, the grading given to any risk assessments, and the steps taken by police to locate the missing people prior to the Volkswagen Tiguan being found just after midnight on Monday.

IOPC Director, David Ford, said: “My thoughts go out to the families and friends of those who have tragically lost their lives, to those who have been injured, and indeed to the many people who have been affected by this incident.

"After careful assessment of referrals from Gwent Police and South Wales Police, we have decided to independently investigate how police responded to the missing person reports.

“We will be examining what information police had, the grading given to any risk assessments, and the steps taken by police to locate the missing people prior to the Volkswagen Tiguan being found just after midnight on Monday.

"We will also consider what communication took place between the two forces, and whether police action was appropriate and followed relevant policy and procedures. Our investigation is at a very early stage.

“We will be contacting the families involved to express our sympathies, explain our role and set out how our investigation will progress.

"We are aware of the significant community concern about the tragic events that have unfolded and would like to assure everyone that we will conduct a thorough and timely investigation.”

South Wales Police is continuing to investigate the incident.

The force said emergency services discovered the Volkswagen Tiguan vehicle at 12.15am on Monday 6th March after the police helicopter, police and fire officers were deployed to the scene.

Following initial police investigations into the collision, police can confirm that:

• The last confirmed sighting of the five people was at 2am on Saturday 4th March in Pentwyn.

• The collision occurred during the early hours of Saturday 4th March, the exact time to be confirmed by the investigation, including CCTV and ANPR enquiries.

• The first missing person report was made to Gwent Police at 7.34pm on Saturday 4th March.

• Further missing person reports were made to Gwent Police at 7.43pm and 9.32pm on Saturday 4th March.

• A further missing person report was made to South Wales Police at 5.37pm on Sunday 5th March.

• At 11.50pm on Sunday 5th March the police helicopter was requested to search an area of Cardiff which resulted in a vehicle being located in a wooded area off the A48.

• Gwent Police officers, who were in the area conducting enquiries during Sunday evening, discovered a Volkswagen Tiguan vehicle at 12.15am on Monday 6th March.

• At this stage we believe only one vehicle to be involved.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hoborough, of Gwent Police, said: “This is an extremely sad situation, and our thoughts are with the families and friends of each of the young people involved. We will continue to support the investigation and would ask members of the public to refrain from speculation during this period.”

Assistant Chief Constable Jason Davies, of South Wales Police, said: “Our thoughts continue to be with the families and all those affected by this tragic incident. Specialist officers are carrying out a detailed investigation to piece together what has happened. Family liaison officers are supporting the families involved at what must be a hugely difficult time for them.”

Gwent Police and South Wales Police have referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, as is usual in these circumstances.