The Welsh government has announced a new community initiative after rioting sparked by the deaths of two teenagers in Cardiff.

Wales’ First Minister Mark Drakeford led a meeting between public officials and community representatives following the unrest that saw cars set alight and property damaged.

In a statement released after the meeting, Mr Drakeford said his “thoughts were with the families” of the two boys and that the people of Ely had experienced a “collective trauma”.

He added: “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.”

Harvey Evans, 15, died alongside his best friend Kyrees Sullivan, 16, when the Sur-Ron electric bike they were riding crashed in the Ely area of the city just after 6pm on Monday.

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Their deaths triggered hours of violence and disorder after word spread on social media a marked police van had been following the pair minutes before the crash.

Nine people between the ages of 15 and 21 were arrested following the trouble.

CCTV from the area has since confirmed police were following the teenagers despite South Wales police and crime commissioner Alun Michael previously dismissing it as a “rumour”.

Police said they are continuing to investigate both the crash and the riot which followed.

Read more:
Community tries to stay calm after night of tragedy and violence
Police force refers itself to watchdog over CCTV footage

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The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into “any interaction” between the South Wales force and the teenagers prior to the crash.

A vigil and balloon release have been planned later in tribute to the two friends.

The families have appealed for calm.

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