The mother of a teenage boy who died after his e-bike collided with an ambulance in Salford has paid an emotional tribute to the 'sweetest, kindest boy.'
Saul Cookson was rushed to hospital after the bike crashed with the ambulance, which was travelling back to base on Langworthy Road on Thursday afternoon (June 8).
Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, the 15-year-old sadly died a short time later.
Join our WhatsApp Top Stories and Breaking News group by clicking this link
Moments before the horror smash, Mr Cookson had been involved in a police pursuit. Traffic cops had followed the teen along Fitzwarren Street and Lower Seedley Road at around 2pm, until bollards prevented the chase from proceeding further, GMP said.
Greater Manchester Police has now referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is leading an investigation into the crash.
In a statement issued through the force on Friday (June 9), Emma Frendo paid a heartbreaking tribute to her son, as a new imagewas released by the family.
"Saul was a much-loved son, brother grandson, and nephew, loved by all that met him," she said. "He was the sweetest, most kindest boy ever, and always had the biggest infectious smile and was full of love."
His sister, Taylor-Jade also paid tribute 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."
His family have asked for respect for their privacy at this time.
On Thursday night a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police 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 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. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the boy who tragically died."
North West Ambulance Service said it was travelling back to base when the collision occurred. In a statement NWAS said: "We can confirm that an ambulance was involved in a collision with a young person, who was riding an electric bike, on Langworthy Road in Salford at around 2pm on Thursday.
"The patient received medical treatment immediately by the ambulance crew and was transported to hospital, where he sadly later died. We are participating fully in the police investigation.
"We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the young person's family."
Read more of today's top stories here
READ NEXT:
