A tragic accident in Salford has left a 15-year-old boy useless after his e-bike collided with an ambulance. Saul Cookson was being adopted by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) site visitors officers when his e-bike crashed right into a North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) automobile. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into the incident.
Saul’s mom, Emma Frendo, described her son as “the most sweetest, kindest boy ever” and said he was “loved by all that met him.” Saul had been using a black off-road Sur-Ron e-bike when officers followed him alongside Fitzwarren Street and Lower Seedley Road before the collision occurred on Langworthy Road. At the time, the NWAS automobile was not on an energetic call however was being pushed again to a nearby ambulance station. The ambulance crew instantly handled Saul before taking him to hospital, where he later handed away.
Family, pals, and neighbours have paid tribute to Saul, leaving flowers, candles, playing cards, and heartfelt messages at the scene. The accident has also raised concerns in regards to the availability and use of high-powered e-bikes in the space people. Mike McCusker, lead member for transport at Salford City Council, expressed that there’s “growing concern” about e-bikes, significantly younger riders with out helmets using them. He famous that while some e-bikes have a restricted speed of 15mph, unregulated ones can reach speeds of as much as 60mph, and current laws usually are not keeping pace with technological developments within the e-bike trade.
The IOPC is gathering proof, including dashcam footage from the police automobile, and has taken initial statements from two police officers who’re being treated as witnesses. According to Itemized , there might be “no indication at this early time… of direct physical contact between the police automobile and the e-bike”, however examinations of each are ongoing. IOPC regional director Catherine Bates emphasised the significance of understanding the events leading up to the incident, including the actions and decision-making of the police before the collision..