23-07-2025
Fireworks set off in 'memorial' for dead teenager as police called to 'disorder'
Fireworks were set off as 'hundreds' of youths gathered at a 'memorial' for a teenager who tragically died after a crash in Middleton.
Police were called to reports of 'disorder' on the Langley estate on Tuesday night (July 22) where people gathered in tribute to the boy who died. Devon Simmonds, 15, lost his life in the collision on Rowrah Crescent. Police said it involved an e-bike and a car.
Flowers, balloons and candles have been left in tribute to the teenager outside shuttered shops on a precinct in Longthwaite Close.
Dozens of youths were still gathered at the precinct on Wednesday afternoon (July 23) with some spraying graffiti onto the walls.
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Greater Manchester Police attended the scene overnight following reports of 'disorder' while four fire crews were also in attendance.
Pervaiz Iqbal, who works at a shop on the precinct, said that 'hundreds' of youths were gathered on the estate from around 6pm.
He told the Manchester Evening News that some people climbed on top of the precinct but said that this was not uncommon.
His colleague said that fireworks were being set off throughout the night, as late as 11pm, and claimed some were thrown at cars.
However, another shopkeeper said that she was not aware of 'trouble', explaining that the youths had gathered for a 'memorial'.
Mr Iqbal said: "A lot of people obviously, the customers are scared coming into the shop, especially old people.
"They are very scared of coming into the shops because a lot of the boys, teenagers, are here and they did fireworks and stuff."
Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, Devon Simmonds was sadly pronounced dead at the scene on Tuesday (July 22).
A 59-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody for questioning. Another 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of theft as part of the investigation.
One resident who knew of the teenager said: "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."
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that four crews were sent to the scene in Middleton after midnight.
GMP were also in attendance following reports of 'disorder'. Local officers remain in the area, working with Rochdale council.
Chief Inspector Nicola Hopkinson, of our Rochdale District, said: 'What happened yesterday was a tragic event that saw a young boy lose their life and our thoughts remain with Devon's family at this time.
'Officers are aware of antisocial behaviour taking place in the local area following this incident. This will not be tolerated and is completely unacceptable.
'We understand the emotions of the wider community and their need to grieve, but we will take action against anyone found to be involved in criminality.
'As part of our investigation, officers will be on hand to deal with any queries members of the public have. Feel free to raise any issues and speak to them if you have any concerns.
'We continue our appeal for information that may assist our enquiries and any information can be submitted through the major incident portal, linked here:
'Information can be provided through our MIPP portal, or by contacting the investigation team on 0161 856 1995, quoting log number 1364 of 22/07/2025.
'The independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.'
