St Mellons crash: Officer served with misconduct notice in crash probe

Eve Smith, 21, Rafel Jeanne, 24, and Darcy Ross, 21, died in the collision

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

The police watchdog said it concerns the review of missing persons' logs and if the group's ages affected police decision making.

Eve Smith, 21, Rafel Jeanne, 24, and Darcy Ross, 21, were found dead 46 hours after the crash in Cardiff.

Sophie Russon, 20, and Shane Loughlin, 32, survived with serious injuries.

Sophie Russon, 20 at the time of the crash, and Shane Loughlin, 32, were seriously injured in the accident

The families of the three young women had all reported them missing on the evening of 4 March.

They were eventually found just after midnight on Monday, 6 March in the St Mellons area of the city.

The accident happened after the white Volkswagen Tiguan the five were in left a major road and crashed into a wooded area.

• Crash victims were not found for 46 hours

• Tributes to three killed in crash after night out

• Three of five missing found dead after crash

As part of the investigation the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is gathering statements from officers who attended the crash scene, control room staff and those who carried out the risk assessments.

It will also be speaking to the National Police Air Service about the involvement of a police helicopter during the search.

The missing person policies of Gwent Police and South Wales Police, as well as the relevant national police guidance, will also be reviewed.

The notice that has been served on the Gwent Police officer means they will be investigated, but does not necessarily mean they will face disciplinary proceedings.

IOPC director David Ford said in a statement: "We have gathered a significant amount of evidence since our investigation began and we will ensure that our investigation continues to be thorough and timely.

"It is only at the end of our investigation once we have established all the facts that we will make a decision as to whether the officer has any case to answer."

Gwent Police Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hobrough said: "The IOPC has led this investigation, and we're grateful for their prompt and thorough response to such a complex matter with this latest update.

"We will continue to co-operate with their investigation in an open and transparent manner."