Police have urged those attending a vigil tonight (Friday) in memory of a teenager killed in a motorbike crash to 'pay their respects in the right way'. Mckenna Leigh, 16, died following the smash in Tameside on Saturday afternoon (September 17).
This evening from 6pm friends plan to hold a vigil and release balloons in his memory from the fountains at Crown Point in Denton. Police plan to step up patrols in the area in a bid to prevent potential trouble or anti-social behaviour.
Read more:
A statement on the GMP Tameside Facebook page Insp Knight said: "Police have received information that there will be a balloon release this evening to commemorate McKenna Leigh who died following a road traffic collision last Saturday. Following the incidents at the vigil site on Sunday there will be an increased police presence in the area to prevent any repetition of the behaviour and damage.
"Please ensure that you know where your children are and that you have those conversations around paying their respects in the right way that is respectful to the family and the local community. The neighbourhood team will be present to help facilitate a peaceful commemoration and will work with mourners and the local community to achieve this.
"Should a minority of people wish to recreate the events of Sunday or act in an anti-social manner towards officer or the community, plans are in place for a swift appropriate response. Please be respectful of the family and your local community."
Earlier this week one person was arrested after tributes to Mckenna were reportedly graffitied onto buildings, flats and signs in the local area. The teen was killed when the Honda motorbike he was riding crashed with a Vauxhall Vivaro van on Denton Road in Audenshaw on Saturday afternoon.
Dozens of friends have been paying tribute to Mckenna. A gofundme page has also been set up to help support the youngster's family.
It reads: "Mckenna was one of the best people we have all ever met, he was the cheekiest, most caring, funny and happy boy. He always knew how to lighten a room and was the first person to talk or make a weird noise when in an awkward situation. This send off for him is gonna be the best and we all know that!"
One pal, Ella Mccabe, said: "Honestly he was the most loving boy in the world there was never a time when he didn’t have a smile on his face. He would always have that annoying attitude but we all loved it."
An investigation is being carried out by GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit who are urging witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
Read more of today's top stories here
READ NEXT:
- Despair, 'disrespect' and £2,500 to give up your room... inside Manchester's fresher housing crisis
- Brave young mum-of-two, 24, feels 'let down by the system' following devastating diagnosis
- Strangeways prisoner who died in cell may have survived if staff had responded faster, inquest hears
- The award-winning 'hobbit house' you can visit in North Wales
- Watchdog investigating after woman 'suffers broken foot' following alleged clash with GMP officer in Manchester city centre
