Police Officer Served with Misconduct Notice in Fatal Crash Search

A police officer has been served with a misconduct notice in relation to the search for a group of young people who were found days after a fatal crash in Cardiff.

The incident involved a Volkswagen Tiguan that left a major road and crashed into a wooded area, resulting in the death of Eve Smith, Rafel Jeanne, and Darcy Ross.

Sophie Russon and Shane Loughlin survived with serious injuries.

The families of the three young women reported them missing before they were found 46 hours after the crash.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the incident and has gathered statements from officers who attended the crash scene, control room staff, and those who carried out risk assessments.

The IOPC will also be speaking to the National Police Air Service about the involvement of a police helicopter during the search and reviewing the missing person policies of Gwent Police and South Wales Police, as well as relevant national police guidance.

The notice served on the Gwent Police officer does not necessarily mean they will face disciplinary proceedings.