A teenage boy who died after colliding with an ambulance while being followed by police has been named as Saul Cookson.
Traffic officers had been pursuing the 15-year-old in Salford, but had been forced to break off the chase when their vehicle was blocked off by bollards.
Greater Manchester Police said the collision between the e-bike and the ambulance took place on Langworthy Road “a short time later”.
The incident had been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) “in line with normal proceedings”, the force said.
A GMP spokesman said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the boy who tragically died.”
It was initially reported the ambulance had been parked at the time of the crash, but the emergency service has now confirmed the vehicle had been travelling back to its base.
The North West Ambulance Service said in a statement: “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.”
Among those posting tributes on social media was Saul’s cousin Jack Pennington.
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.
“Can’t believe I’m writing this, no other word describes it other than shock. Don’t feel real in the slightest one of the best lads you could meet and I feel lucky to have called u my cousin.
“Had some good times growing up… can’t believe that’s just it. Shows what a cruel world we’re living in. Miss u forever my brother. Can’t say goodbye just see you later my mate love you RIP Saul my brother.”
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.
“The rider of the bike, a 15-year-old boy, was taken to hospital where he sadly died. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones, as well as all those affected by this tragedy.
“We were notified by Greater Manchester Police due to the fact a police vehicle had been following the e-bike shortly before the collision.
“We have sent investigators to the scene of the collision, at the junction of Langworthy Road and Lower Seedley Road, as well as to the police post-incident procedures, to begin gathering evidence.
“Our investigation is at a very early stage and we will provide further details once we are in a position to do so.”
It comes after friends Harvey Evans, 15, and Kyrees Sullivan, 16, were killed in an e-bike collision after being followed by a police van in Cardiff last month, triggering a riot.
