Two arrests have been made so far
Police were called to Rowrah Crescent this afternoon (Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
Members of a community have expressed their shock following the death of a 15-year-old boy in a tragic crash involving an e-bike. Police were called to reports of the collision on Rowrah Crescent in Middleton at around 11:55am on Tuesday (July 22).
Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, the boy was pronounced dead at the scene. His family are being supported by officers, say GMP.
A 59-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and and remains in custody for questioning. Another 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of theft as part of the investigation.
A scene is currently in place on Rowrah Crescent where a small cordon has been placed in the middle of the street. Detectives, PCSOs and CSI officers were spotted carrying out their work on the street.
Some residents stop and stare, understandably curious for any update, however, a majority of neighbours opted to stay inside.
A 59-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
One neighbour who knew the boy and his family well said: “This involves the family of my friend. When something like this happens you just try to keep out of the way because it’s a sad thing.”
Another resident added: “There was a big commotion, I was inside when it happened but when I came out loads of people and police were on the street.
“I didn’t know what happened at first, but they said a young boy has lost his life. I knew the boy, he was local to the area and very well known. It’s such a sad situation.”
Another resident who said they knew of the teenager told the M.E.N: “He was a top, top lad. Lived on this estate all his life and a lot of people knew him.
“He was very respectable, obviously it’s a horrible thing to happen to him and his family.”
Residents look on as police carry out their work on Rowrah Crescent (Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
Officers are working to establish the full circumstances of the incident and are investigating allegations of a theft in the events leading up to the collision.
Detective Chief Inspector Christopher Dean, from GMP’s Rochdale district, said: “This terrible incident has seen the death of a teenage boy, and we are working hard to establish the full facts of this case, in what is the very early stages of an investigation.
“A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and will be questioned in due course, while officers are already in place to support the family of the boy who has died today.
“I want to remind people that at the heart of this is a grieving family, and I would ask the community to not speculate on social media while we piece together the events of earlier today.
“As our work progresses, I would ask anyone with information to please come forward – whether you witnessed anything or have any dashcam, CCTV, or doorbell footage from the area.”
You can contact police via 101 or our Live Chat service at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 1364 of 22/07/25.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.