Tributes paid to ‘nicest lad’, 15, killed after crashing e-bike into ambulance after police pursuit in Salford

Tributes have been pouring in for a 15-year-old boy who was killed after his electronic bike collided with a parked ambulance in Salford.

Greater ManchesterPolice (GMP) said traffic officers began following the boy, named locally in tributes as Saul Cookson, along Fitzwarren Street at around 2pm and onto Lower Seedley Road, before their vehicle was blocked off by bollards.

The force said the collision between the e-bike and the ambulance took place on Langworthy Road “a short time later”, which sadly led to his death.

The incident had been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct “in line with normal proceedings”, Greater Manchester Police added, with the IOPC leading the investigation.

A GMP statement said: “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 said: “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.”

The schoolboy has not been formally identified by police but tributes online name him as Saul Cookson. His sister Taylor-Jed paid tribute on Instagram, writing in a post: “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.”

The 15-year-old’s cousin Jack Pennington also wrote a tribute on the social media platform, 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 GoFundMe Page has now been set up to help contribute towards the costs of Saul’s funeral, with a fundraising target of £2,000. More than £1,000 has already been raised towards the goal.

The incident comes after two teenagers in Ely, Cardiff were killed in a collision while riding an e-bike earlier last month, with police also alleged to have been chasing them in the run-up to the collision. The deaths of Harvey Evans, 15, and Kyrees Sullivan, 16, sparked riots and disorder in the local area.

CCTV footage after the incident showed a police van following an e-bike minutes before the collision happened, however South Wales Police denied that the boys were being chased by officers and insisted that no police vehicles were on the road at the time of the collision. The case has also been referred to the IOPC for independent review.