Family pay tribute to boy, 15, who died in collision between car and e-bike - as man, 59, is charged with murder
Devon Simmonds-Caines tragically lost his life in the electric bike crash in the town of Middleton, Greater Manchester, just before midday on Tuesday, July 22.
Terrence King, of Castlerigg Drive, Middleton, has been charged with murder and is due to appear at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on Monday.
Another boy, 15, arrested on suspicion of theft relating to the same incident - which took place on the Langley estate's Rowrah Crescent - has been bailed pending further inquiries.
Devon's family has now spoken out on their heartbreaking loss, calling the boy an 'outgoing, bubbly person' who 'only wanted the best for everyone around him'.
Tributes have been laid at the nearby Lakeland Court Shopping Precinct, including flowers, candles, balloons, stuffed toys, personal mementos, photos and 'RIP Devon' graffiti.
Meanwhile, Greater Manchester Police are appealing for information - and have warned of footage circulating online, claiming to show events before the crash.
The clip is not currently linked to their investigation - and officers have urged the public not to share it or speculate, as the case is active and Devon's family grieving.
The family, paying tribute to their beloved Devon, said he 'always kept himself motivated even when he didn't want to be'.
They continued: 'Devon loved everyone that loved him and showed respect to everyone that respected him.
'He wasn't afraid to speak his mind and only wanted the best for everyone around him.
'When he would love, he would love really hard. He wasn't a show off kid and kept himself to himself.
'We as a family are grateful for the tributes being made to Devon and would like to thank the local communities for their support; from both those who knew Devon and those who didn't.
'We want peace and to remember Devon calmly, surrounded by his loved ones.
'This has shocked the whole family. It was a tragic incident that should never have happened that we don't want to tarnish Devon's legacy.'
Countless messages have been left at the site of floral tributes to Devon, with one reading: 'Rest in paradise Devon.'
Another wrote: 'RIP Dev. Always making everyone smile. You will be forever missed.'
Someone else in the community said: 'Forever 15 Dev. The biggest soul. Shine bright as always.'
Graffitied messages cover nearby walls and pavements, with a large artwork reading 'RIP Devon' accompanied by angel wings, as well as, 'Rest easy Dee'.
Posts to social media platform TikTok show fireworks being let off in the community in the wake of his tragic passing.
Specialist officers are supporting the family while the police investigation continues and are on extra patrols in the area to provide reassurance to the community.
Chief Inspector Jennifer Partington, of Greater Manchester Police's Rochdale district, said on Saturday: 'The investigation into the death of Devon is continuing, with multiple officers working through all the relevant evidence in the case.
'We are aware of footage circulating online alleging to show immediate precursory events leading to the incident, and which we are not considering to be connected to the investigation at this stage.
'We would like to remind people that this is an active case and there is a grieving family, and would ask the community to not share footage or speculate on what is an ongoing investigation.'
Anyone with information that could assist the police's enquiries is asked to submit it via the force's major incident online portal.
They can alternatively contact the investigation team on 0161 856 1995, quoting log number 1364 of 22/07/2025.
Calling 101 or using Greater Manchester Police's live chat are also available options.
The independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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