Flowers, balloons and messages have this morning been left at the scene where 15-year-old Saul Cookson died in an e-bike crash after being followed by police. The teenager was killed when his electric bike crashed into a parked ambulance in Salford on Thursday.
He was rushed to hospital following the incident on Langworthy Road and died a short time later. Traffic cops had followed the teen along Fitzwarren Street and Lower Seedley Road at around 2pm, until bollards prevented the chase from proceeding further.
Saul then ran into the ambulance on nearby Langworthy Road. Greater Manchester Police has now referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is leading an investigation into the crash.
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Messages left at the scene read 'Saul forever 15', 'Fly high my brother' and 'RIP to a fallen soldier'. The boy has not yet been officially identified by GMP. But Saul's sister Taylor-Jade led the tributes 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.
"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."
Devastated cousin Jack Pennington paid tribute to Saul on Instagram, writing: "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 wat 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."
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police spokesman said on Thursday evening: "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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