‘The nicest lad’: Family pay tribute to Salford boy who died in e-bike crash | Salford

The family of a Salford teenager who died when the e-bike he was riding crashed after being followed by police, who has been named locally as Saul Cookson, have paid tribute to “the nicest lad about”.

The 15-year-old boy’s e-bike collided with a parked ambulance at about 2pm on Thursday, Greater Manchester police said. It had referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, “in line with normal proceedings” when someone has died after contact with police, it added.

Saul’s 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”.

“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.”

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester police 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, on to 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 said: “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.”

Harvey Evans, 15, and Kyrees Sullivan, 16. were killed in an e-bike collision after being followed by a police van in Cardiff last month, sparking a riot.