Man Charged with Murder After Teen Dies in Middleton Crash

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A 59-year-old man has been charged with murder following a fatal collision in Middleton, Greater Manchester, that claimed the life of a 15-year-old boy riding an electric bike.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed the charge in a statement released ahead of the court appearance. King lives in Middleton and remains in custody following his arrest and formal charge. The suspect, local resident Terrence King, is set to appear before Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on Monday.

Devon Simmonds-Caines was killed shortly before midday on July 22 when his e-bike was involved in a crash with a car. The incident, which unfolded in the suburban town of Middleton, has sparked a murder charge against King. 

At the time of the incident, emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, but despite their efforts, the teenager was pronounced dead shortly after the collision. His death has shaken the local community, with tributes pouring in for the schoolboy described as kind, energetic, and well-loved.

In a heartfelt statement released by the police, Devon’s family spoke of their devastation, describing the teenager as an “outgoing, bubbly person” who “only wanted the best for everyone around him.” They added, “This has shocked the whole family. It was a tragic incident that should never have happened, and we don’t want to tarnish Devon’s legacy.”

A second boy, also aged 15, was arrested on suspicion of theft in connection with the incident. He has since been released on bail pending further enquiries. GMP has not disclosed further details regarding the nature of the alleged theft or how it relates to the fatal crash.

Community Impact

The case has left a visible impact on the community, with many locals expressing concern over the broader issues surrounding youth safety and rising tensions in the area. The rise of electric bikes (e-bikes), particularly among younger riders, has led to renewed calls for more straightforward road safety guidelines and stricter enforcement of existing traffic laws.

Chief Inspector Jennifer Partington, from GMP’s Rochdale division, also addressed the growing circulation of online footage, which some claim shows moments leading up to the crash. She warned the public against sharing or commenting on such material.

“While we are aware of videos circulating online that claim to show the events before the incident, I want to stress that at this time there is no direct link to our ongoing investigation,” she said. “We are urging the public not to share this footage or speculate, as doing so may hinder the legal process.”

The case now proceeds to the Crown Court, where King will face a formal hearing on the murder charge. The legal proceedings are expected to draw significant attention, with the tragic death of a teenager in such circumstances inevitably prompting wider conversations around youth welfare, crime, and accountability.

As the investigation continues, GMP is encouraging anyone with information to come forward. Detectives remain keen to piece together the full sequence of events leading up to the collision to ensure justice is served.