‘He was a top lad’: Man charged with murder after 15-year-old e-bike rider mowed down in horror crash

A 59-year-old man has been charged with murder for mowing down a teen riding an e-bike in a horror crash, after reports of an earlier theft.

A 59-year-old UK man has been charged with murder after a 15-year-old boy was mowed down while riding an e-bike through a council estate in Middleton, Greater Manchester.

Terrence King was arrested on suspicion of murder following the horror crash just before midday on Tuesday, after Greater Manchester Police (GMP) responded to reports of a collision between a car and an e-bike on Rowrah Crescent.

The victim has been identified as Devon Simmonds, with locals describing the teen as a “top lad” and “very respectable”.

CCTV footage of the incident showed Simmonds riding down the road, pursued by a black car.

Devon Simmonds seen just before the fatal crash. Picture: Supplied

As the teen turns around to ride back the way he came, the car veers left and smashes into him headfirst.

Emergency services immediately attended but Simmonds was pronounced dead at the scene. His family are being supported by specialist officers.

Police announced on Thursday afternoon that Mr King, of Caslterigg Drive, Middleton, had been charged with murder.

He was remanded in custody to appear Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on Monday, July 28.

He is run down by a black car. Picture: Supplied

Police said they were also investigating allegations of theft leading up to the incident.

A 15-year-old boy previously arrested on suspicion of theft as part of the wider investigation has been bailed pending further enquiries.

One neighbour who knew Simmonds and his family told the Manchester Evening News, “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.”

The 15-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene. Picture: BBC

Another resident who said they knew of the teen told the newspaper, “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.”

Detective Inspector Andrew Naismith, from GMP’s Major Incident Team, said the investigation was “already moving at considerable pace and we have now secured a murder charge as part of our work”.

‘He was a top, top lad.’ Picture: Facebook

“There is still much to do, and our officers are carefully combing through all available evidence to build a picture of the events of that day,” he said in a statement.

“I am aware of footage of the incident circulating online, and I would ask people to not share this footage due to ongoing proceedings, and out of respect for the boy’s family, who I would remind people are grieving at this time. As we continue with our investigation, I would urge anyone with information to please get in touch — either to GMP directly or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Police had earlier urged members of the public not to “speculate” about the incident.

“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,” Detective Chief Inspector Christopher Dean, from GMP’s Rochdale district, said on Tuesday.

Originally published as ‘He was a top lad’: Man charged with murder after 15-year-old e-bike rider mowed down in horror crash