The family of the boy who died after his e-bike hit an ambulance in Salford has paid tribute to a “best friend and brother”.
On Thursday, Saul Cookson collided with a parked ambulance around 2pm on Langworth Road.
The boy was treated at the scene and rushed to hospital but died a short time later.
Following his tragic death, his sister, Taylor-Jade Cookson paid tribute to her “best friend and brother” on social media, writing: “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.
“I’m so proud to call you MY brother and you will always be in my mind and by my side.
“Such a cruel world and how fast it happened I was literally just talking to my mum and it just happened in one blink after all the good memories and I wish we could’ve made more but all of them are still in my heart. Rest easy Saul.”
His cousin Jack Pennington wrote that Saul “had a good heart”, adding: “Everyone who knew Saul knew he was the nicest lad about, had a good heart, polite and have u like no tomorrow.
“Can’t believe I’m writing this, no other word describes it other than shock. Don’t feel real in the slightest one of the best lads you could meet and I feel lucky to have called u my cousin.
“Had some good times growing up … can’t believe that’s just it. Shows what a cruel world we’re living in. Miss u forever my brother.
“Can’t say goodbye just see you later my mate love you RIP Saul my brother.”
Messages at the scene, where flowers, cards and candles lined the street, said “rest in peace my bro”, “fly high”, “shining bright up there” and “forever 15”.
Prior the collision, officers began following Saul along Fitzwarren Street before the police vehicle was blocked off by bollards, Greater Manchester Police said.
The incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), with a spokesperson adding: “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.”
