A 15-year-old boy has died following a collision between a car and an e-bike in Middleton, Greater Manchester, prompting police to launch a murder investigation.

Officers were called to the scene on Rowrah Crescent just before midday on Tuesday. The teenager was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

A 59-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident. GMP confirmed they are also investigating allegations of theft that occurred prior to the collision. A second 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of theft.

Detective Chief Inspector Christopher Dean from GMP’s Rochdale district said:
“This terrible incident has resulted in the death of a teenage boy, and we are working diligently to establish the full circumstances in what is still the early stages of an investigation.

“A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and will be questioned in due course. Officers are also supporting the family of the boy during this devastating time."

He urged the public not to speculate online and to respect the family’s grief, adding:
“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.”

Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam, CCTV, or doorbell footage from the area to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact GMP via 101 or through the Live Chat service at (https://www.gmp.police.uk), quoting log 1364 of 22/07/25.