Police watchdog launches probe into e-bike crash death of boy, 15

The police watchdog has launched a probe into an e-bike crash that killed a teenager yesterday.

Saul Cookson, 15, died after his electric bike crashed into a parked ambulance in Salford. 

He was rushed to hospital at around 2pm and passed away a short time later. Traffic police had been following the teenager until bollards stopped them from continuing the trail.

An IOPC spokesperson said: ‘We are independently investigating the circumstances of a serious [crash] 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.

Saul died a short time after being rushed to hospital following the crash

The IOPC is investigating the incident and a cordon remained in place on Langworthy Road yesterday

Saul’s sister Taylor-Jade led the tributes on social media

Traffic officers had following the boy since 2pm but were prevented from continuing the trail by bollards

‘We were notified by Greater Manchester Police due to the fact a police vehicle had been following the e-bike shortly before the [crash].

‘Our investigation is at a very early stage and we will provide further details once we are in a position to do so.’

Messages left at the scene read ‘Saul forever 15’, ‘Fly high my brother’ and ‘RIP to a fallen soldier’.

Although he has not yet been officially named by Greater Manchester Police, Saul’s sister Taylor-Jade led the tributes on social media.

She wrote: ‘Seriously can’t believe I’m typing this right now. I’m lost for words and don’t know what to say.

Officers at the scene of the crash on Langworthy Road, Salford, yesterday afternoon

15-year-old Saul died after smashing into a parked ambulance 

Floral tributes have been left near a police cordon by the scene of the crash

‘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.’

Saul’s cousin, Jack Pennington, wrote: ‘Everyone who knew Saul knew he was the nicest lad about, had a good heart, polite and have you 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 you 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 you forever my brother. Can’t say goodbye just see you later my mate love you RIP Saul my brother.’ 

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is leading the investigation into the crash.

A spokesman for GMP said: ‘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 [crash] 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.’