Saul Cookson: Family of teenager killed in crash with ambulance say he was the 'kindest boy ever'

Saul Cookson, 15, was killed when his electric bike crashed into a parked ambulance. Credit: Family photo / MEN Media

The family of a 15-year-old schoolboy who died in an e-bike crash after being followed by police have said he was "the kindest boy ever".

Saul Cookson was killed when his electric bike crashed into a parked ambulance in Salford, Greater Manchester, on Thursday, 8 June.

His mum, Emma Frendo, said: “Saul was a much-loved son, brother, grandson, and nephew, loved by all that met him.

"He was the sweetest, most kindest boy ever, and always had the biggest infectious smile and was full of love.”

Boy who died in crash with ambulance after police e-bike pursuit named

  • Mitchell Murden says his friend Saul Cookson was a "good lad" and he is "grieving for his mum".

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said traffic officers began following the the boy along Fitzwarren Street and onto Lower Seedley Road, before their vehicle was blocked off by bollards.

The force said that the collision between the e-bike and the ambulance took place on Langworthy Road “a short time later”.

Greater Manchester Police have asked people to remember Saul privately and to avoid going to the family home while they continue to grieve.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the circumstances surrounding Saul's death and ask anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage to contact them.

IOPC, which presides over the police complaints system in England and Wales, says Mr Cookson was riding a black off-road Sur-Ron e-bike.

A police vehicle followed the 15-year-old "for a short period" before he passed through bollards at the end of Lower Seedley Road, which the police could not pass through. 

The IPOC says "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."

Saul Cookson died in hospital after the crash in Salford. Credit: MEN Media

IOPC Regional Director Catherine Bates said: “My heart goes out to Saul’s family and loved ones, as well as all those affected by his tragic death.

“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.”

Anyone with information can get in touch with IOPC investigators by emailing langworthyroad@policeconduct. gov.uk or calling 0300 303 5568.