Tragic Taylor’s final message to his pals
AN 11-year-old boy posted a Snapchat message asking for friends to play out with him shortly before he died in a collision.
Pals say Taylor Schofield, from Beswick, had been ‘hanging out’ on his bike on Saturday afternoon and was cycling home when the tragedy occurred just a few streets from his mum’s front door.
Taylor was struck by a grey Volkswagen Golf on Albert Street close to the Townley pub at around 6.10pm.
He was treated by paramedics at the scene then rushed to hospital, but sadly died from his injuries, police said.
Taylor’s Snapchat account shows he had posted a picture of his red bike and the message ‘Who’s wants to come and meet me’ shortly before the incident.
Sophie Conlan, 12, came to lay flowers at the scene with her dad John Dwyer. “He was coming home from being out with friends, he lives round here,” said Sophie.
“I took a picture of his Snapchat ‘does anyone want to meet me?’ That was the last anyone heard.”
She added: “Taylor was funny and a good friend.
“I knew him since he started (school) in September. Everyone has been really upset and crying.”
Friend Ellie-Mae McCarney added: “Taylor was going home to get his tea because no one was coming out. I used to see him every day on the tram – he would wind me up all the way to school. He would make everyone on the tram laugh.”
Maddisson Short, who was in the same class as Taylor at Droylsden Academy, said: “He was like my best friend – he would always make someone laugh. He loved football and rap music and being on his bike.
“He phoned me yesterday (Saturday) – he was just hanging out, he asked me to come out less than an hour before... the incident.” A mountain of floral tributes, cards and balloons were left at the scene of the tragedy.
A United shirt was tied to a tree in reference to Taylor’s favourite team.
A friend called Ethan left flowers with the message: “Taylor you were good friends with me and Emily. I will never forget the special moments we had together.
“I remember the times me and you used to go on the front and tease Emily. We remember when you said ‘ewww’ to Emily and she chased you every time and we used to laugh. I will never forget you Taylor. Sleep right bro.”
Taylor’s family said: “Taylor was a cheeky handsome lad who loved his mates, football and Man United. He was a very bright, intelligent, loving and caring kid – always smiling, making jokes.
“He’s going to be missed by everyone. He was taken too soon from us. Our angel always x x.”
On Facebook, Char McLeod added: “Taylor you meant so much to me. Treated you like a little brother.
“I’m so sorry for what’s happened. You’re so young and innocent. Such a funny little boy. Taylor I’m going to miss you so much.
“Tonight everyone’s heart has sunk into their stomach. Such a cheeky lad. I can’t believe it has to end like this.
“Kissed you goodbye. Hope you fly. Night brother will see you one day. Sending you all the kisses and cuddles.
“RIP Taylor William Schofield. Love you loads.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Greater Manchester Police on 0161 856 4741 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Michael Robinson, 31, of Toft Road, in Gorton, appeared in court yesterday charged with causing death by dangerous driving. He was remanded in custody to appear for a plea trial and preparation hearing at Manchester Crown Court, Crown Square, on February 11. AN Arctic blast of chilly air is set to bring severe frost and even snow to Greater Manchester.
Forecasters at the Met Office have said a cold weather front is set to sweep into the UK on Thursday.
Western areas, including Greater Manchester, are most likely to be affected.
Temperatures today will be mild, with highs of 10C.
Tomorrow will still feel mild, with showers expected for most of the day and temperatures reaching highs of around 9C.
However, the cold air will begin to be noticeable on Thursday with highs of just 4C.
Overnight temperatures will plunge to below freezing, around -2C.
On Friday morning there will be severe frost across the region. A band of rain will moving in later, which forecasters have warned may turn to snow.