Teen dies in e-bike crash with ambulance after police chase in Salford

Saul Cookson, a 15-year-old boy, tragically died after his e-bike collided with an ambulance in Salford. The teenager was being pursued by traffic officers, who had to abandon the chase when their vehicle was obstructed by bollards. The accident occurred on Langworthy Road shortly after the police halted their pursuit. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is now investigating the incident, as is standard procedure in such cases.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) expressed their condolences, stating, “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the boy who tragically died.” Initially, it was believed that the ambulance had been parked during the collision, but it has since been confirmed that the vehicle was en route to its base. The North West Ambulance Service said that the patient received immediate medical treatment from the ambulance crew and was transported to the hospital, where he later passed away. They added, “We are participating fully in the police investigation,” and extended their deepest condolences to the young person’s family.

Saul’s cousin, Jack Pennington, was among those who posted tributes on social media. He wrote on Instagram, “Everyone who knew Saul knew he was the nicest lad about, had a good heart, polite and have u like no tomorrow.” Pennington expressed his shock and disbelief at the loss of his cousin, describing him as “one of the best lads you could meet.”

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.” They acknowledged the tragic loss of the 15-year-old boy and extended their thoughts to his family and loved ones, as well as everyone affected by the tragedy. The IOPC was notified by GMP due to the fact that a police vehicle had been following the e-bike shortly before the collision. Investigators have been sent to the scene of the accident and the police post-incident procedures to begin gathering evidence.

This tragic incident follows the deaths of Harvey Evans, 15, and Kyrees Sullivan, 16, who were killed in an e-bike collision in Cardiff last month after being pursued by a police van, which subsequently led to a riot.