First Minister releases statement after visit to Ely following riot
This is Mark Drakeford's first visit to Ely since two teenagers died, sparking a riot.
The first minister has released a statement following his visit to Ely this morning.
He visited the area of Cardiff after two teenagers died in a crash which sparked riots.
During his visit, he met with Social Justice Minister Jane Hutt, local MP Kevin Brennan, South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Alun Michael, local councillor Russell Goodway and Cardiff Council Leader Huw Thomas.
The meeting was held after Harvey Evans, 15, and Kyrees Sullivan, 16, died after the bike they were riding crashed in Ely on Monday.
Their deaths sparked a riot that lasted several hours after speculation that police were allegedly involved in the fatal crash.
CCTV footage from the area has since appeared to show a police van following the pair on their bike just minutes before the crash.
In a statement following the meeting, the First Minister said:
“This week, two families are grieving for their sons and the people of Ely have experienced a collective trauma.
“My thoughts are with the families and friends of Harvey and Kyrees.
“Representatives of the local community and public agencies, including Action in Caerau and Ely, the Welsh Government and Cardiff Council today met in Ely.
“We have agreed to jointly sponsor a grassroots-led initiative to create a community plan for Ely, to respond to the long-term needs of residents. It will be focused on actions and outcomes for people in Ely.”
South Wales Police have referred themselves to the Independent Office of Police Conduct after the CCTV footage emerged.