POLICE are being investigated by a cop watchdog after it took them 48 hours to find five friends involved in a horror car crash that killed three.
Darcy Ross and Eve Smith, both 21, and Rafel Jeanne, 24, died in the smash in the early hours of Saturday.
Meanwhile Sophie Russon and Shane Loughlin remain in critical condition in hospital.
They lay beside the bodies of their friends for 48 hours before being discovered by a member of the public.
Assistant Chief Constable Jason Davies of South Wales Police said: “Our thoughts are with the families of all those affected by this tragic incident.
“Specialist officers are carrying out an 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.
“To ensure independent oversight, South Wales Police has referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, as is usual in these circumstances.”
A spokesperson added that “investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances of the incident, including when the collision took place”.
It comes after Sophie’s mum Anna Cerowicz said she called Gwent Police 20 times over Saturday and Sunday, only to be told her daughter was probably still partying.
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Police finally escalated the inquiry, which included launching a helicopter search.
At midnight Anna had a call from her older daughter Georgia, 23, saying the car had been found by a member of the public searching for the pals.
And she blasted Gwent Police for not taking the disappearance of her daughter and her friends seriously.
Anna said: “The next 48 hours are critical – she is having surgery now and we are hoping and praying.
“I can’t stop thinking about how Sophie had to lie there wondering if she would ever be found.”
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