An ambulance involved in a crash that killed a 15-year-old boy as he rode on an e-bike was travelling back to base at the time of the collision, health bosses say.
Saul Cookson died when he collided with the emergency vehicle on Langworthy Road in Salford on Thursday June 8. Police have confirmed that traffic officers were following the youngster at the time.
The Manchester Evening News reports that the ambulance, which had previously been reported as being parked, was in fact travelling at the time of the tragedy. North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) representatives confirmed that the ambulance crew on board treated Saul for his injuries at the scene.
A spokesperson said: "We can confirm that an ambulance was involved in a collision with a young person, who was riding an electric bike, on Langworthy Road in Salford at around 2pm on Thursday. The patient received medical treatment immediately by the ambulance crew and was transported to hospital, where he sadly later died.
"We are participating fully in the police investigation. We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the young person's family."
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has said officers followed Saul along Fitzwarren Street and Lower Seedley Road at around 2pm until they were halted by bollards. Saul then ran into the ambulance, incurring fatal injuries, minutes later.
GMP chiefs have referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which has launched an investigation. The teen has not yet been officially identified. but his sister Taylor-Jade has paid tribute on Instagram.
She wrote: "Seriously can't believe I'm typing this right now. I'm lost for words and don't know what to say.
"Just so crazy how it happened. In one blink he was gone. He was way too young and shouldn't have gone at 15. He was seriously my best friend and brother in one. Even though he did annoy me we had the best memories and will never be forgotten."
GMP said on Thursday: "At around 2pm on Thursday, GMP traffic officers began following a boy riding an e-bike along Fitzwarren Street in Salford, onto Lower Seedley Road. Bollards prevented the police vehicle from continuing to follow the e-bike.
"A short time later a road traffic collision occurred between the e-bike and an ambulance on Langworthy Road. The 15-year-old boy riding the e-bike sadly died.
"In line with normal proceedings, the incident has been referred to IOPC who are now leading the investigation. A cordon remains in place on Langworthy Road. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the boy who tragically died."
An IOPC spokesperson added: "We are independently investigating the circumstances of a serious collision involving an e-bike and an ambulance in Salford on Thursday. The rider of the bike, a 15-year-old boy, was taken to hospital where he sadly died.
"Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones, as well as all those affected by this tragedy. We were notified by Greater Manchester Police due to the fact a police vehicle had been following the e-bike shortly before the collision.
"We have sent investigators to the scene of the collision, at the junction of Langworthy Road and Lower Seedley Road, as well as to the police post-incident procedures, to begin gathering evidence. Our investigation is at a very early stage and we will provide further details once we are in a position to do so."
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