IOPC investigates police handling of missing person reports prior to fatal road traffic collision in Cardiff

Three people – Eve Smith, 21, Darcy Ross, 21, and Rafel Jeanne, 24, – died in the incident while two others, Sophie Russon, 20, and Shane Loughlin, 32,  remain in a critical condition.

South Wales Police said the collision occurred during the early hours of Saturday, March 4, and a Volkswagen Tiguan was found by emergency services just after midnight on Monday (March 6).

Gwent Police and South Wales Police referred the matter to the IOPC, “as is usual in these circumstances”.

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.”

In a joint statement, South Wales Police and Gwent Police said the investigation into the fatal road traffic collision on the A48 in the St Mellons area of Cardiff was continuing.

“Emergency services discovered a Volkswagen Tiguan vehicle at 12.15am on Monday March 6 after the police helicopter, police and fire officers were deployed to the scene,” they said.

“The families of Rafel Jeanne, Darcy Ross and Eve Smith, who died in the collision, continue to be supported by specialist family liaison officers.

“Two further people remain in critical condition at the University Hospital of Wales.

Following initial police investigations into the collision, the two forces confirmed that:

• The last confirmed sighting of the five people was at 2am on Saturday March 4 in Pentwyn;
• The collision occurred during the early hours of Saturday March 4, the exact time to be confirmed by the investigation, including CCTV and ANPR inquiries;
• The first missing person report was made to Gwent Police at 7.34pm on Saturday March 4;
• Further missing person reports were made to Gwent Police at 7.43pm and 9.32pm on Saturday March 4.
• A further missing person report was made to South Wales Police at 5.37pm on Sunday March 5;
• At 11.50pm on Sunday March 5 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; and
• Gwent Police officers on the ground had sight of the car at 12.02am and this culminated in a log being created by South Wales Police at 12.15am.

“At this stage we believe only one vehicle to be involved,” they said.

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 added: “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.”