IOPC investigates fatal collision involving teenage boy riding e-bike
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has begun an investigation into the circumstances of a fatal collision in which a teenage boy riding an e-scooter died after colliding with an ambulance shortly after being followed by traffic officers.
The IOPC said had received a mandatory referral from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) due to the fact police in a marked BMW X5 had been following the e-bike for a short period just prior to the collision in Salford on Thursday (June 8).
“Shortly after 2pm, the bike collided with an ambulance travelling along Langworthy Road, at the junction with Lower Seedley Road. The rider of the bike, 15-year-old Saul Cookson, was treated by paramedics at the scene before being taken to hospital where he was sadly pronounced dead at 2.35pm,” said the IOPC.
“We have begun gathering evidence, including dashcam footage from the police vehicle. We have also obtained initial statements from two police officers, who are currently being treated as witnesses.
“At this stage, we understand officers saw the black off-road Sur-Ron e-bike and followed it for a short period before the bike passed through bollards at the end of Lower Seedley Road, which the police vehicle could not pass through.
“There is no indication at this early time in our investigation of direct physical contact between the police vehicle and the e-bike, but examinations of the bike and the police vehicle are continuing.”
IOPC Regional Director Catherine Bates said they were particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have footage of the incident.
She said: “Our investigation will be thorough and independent of the police. It is important that we understand the events leading up to this incident and will be looking at the actions and decision-making of police prior to the collision, including the reason for the decision to follow the bike.
“It is likely that members of the community will have seen the collision, or events leading up to it, and I would urge anyone with information to speak to us.
“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who saw, or has footage of, the bike or police vehicle prior to the collision.”
Ms Bates added: “My heart goes out to Saul’s family and loved ones, as well as all those affected by his tragic death.”