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Investigation into police handling of missing person reports prior to vehicle and occupants found in St Mellons

Factual summary of a published IOPC investigation, covering the incident, key findings and outcome.

All IOPC reports
Published
2023-03-07
Investigation type
independent
Force involved
Gwent Police, South Wales Police

What was investigated

The IOPC is investigating police actions following missing person reports related to five individuals found with a vehicle off the A48 in the St Mellons area. Tragically, three individuals died in the incident, and two others are in critical condition.

Key findings

  • Police had received missing person reports prior to the incident.
  • The investigation will assess the grading of risk assessments.
  • Steps taken by police to locate the missing individuals will be examined.
  • Communication between Gwent Police and South Wales Police will be considered.
  • The appropriateness of police actions will be evaluated.
  • The investigation is at an early stage.

Outcome

The investigation is ongoing, with a commitment to ensure thoroughness and timeliness in examining police actions.

Read the full report on policeconduct.gov.uk

Related on BlueLineHub

Last reviewed: 13 July 2026 · Next review due: 13 January 2027

This is a factual summary of a report published by the Independent Office for Police Conduct. Individuals are referred to exactly as the source report anonymises them. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the IOPC · Summarised 2026-07-13.