Friends united in grief to mourn Allerton bus crash boy

Nov 1 2007 by Caroline Innes, Liverpool Daily Post

THE teenage friends of a Liverpool schoolboy who watched in horror as he was knocked down by a bus last night paid tribute to the “outgoing” 15-year-old, who had dreamt of one day owning a restaurant.

Dozens of Daniel Baxendale’s friends gathered at the scene of Tuesday night’s tragic accident in Mather Avenue to unite in grief and remember the friend nicknamed Dids who they said “had such a cheeky smile”.

Gathering opposite Springwood Avenue yesterday, the teenagers placed flowers at the scene of Daniel’s death, and some had joined together to pay £200 for a wreath in his memory.

Those who had witnessed Daniel fall under the single-decker number 86 bus, said they rushing to his side and that he remained conscious and blinking for up to two minutes before dying.

Rebekah Connelly, 16, of Garston, said everyone was still in shock and had wanted to be at the scene to be with friends.

She said: “He was there lying on the floor and we were all shouting ‘Dids.’

“We are all so devastated.

“He was a really nice lad. He was special as he had one brown eye and one blue eye.

“He was one of those people who got along with everybody. He was just really nice.”

Among the scores of tributes left by family and friends was a photograph of Daniel, who had a brother and a sister, and a bouquet of flowers left by his mother.

The card attached read: “In Loving memory of our dear son.

“Dids you were my heart, my soul, my life. I am broken hearted without you. See you on the other side, Love Mum xx.”

The incident was reported to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) as officers from Merseyside police were in the area when the StageCoach bus hit Daniel.

The IPCC is looking into a report given to them on Tuesday night, and are due to decide whether an external investigation is needed this morning.

Friends of Daniel, from Lincoln Street, Garston, claimed Daniel was running away from officers when he was hit.

Stephen MacKinlay, 16, of Garston, said: “We were all just sitting in the church grounds when the police came up and were chasing us and shouting.

“Daniel tried to run across the road and was hit by the bus.

“If the police hadn’t chased us then this would never have happened.”

A Merseyside Police spokesman said: “As there were a number of police personnel in the area at the time the matter has been voluntarily referred to the IPCC.”

Assistant Chief Constable Helen King said: “This is a tragic incident and all our sympathies are with Daniel’s family at this time.”

A spokesperson for the IPCC said: “We were informed on Tuesday evening about a fatal accident involving a 15-year-old boy from Liverpool.

“The report is currently under assessment as to whether the IPCC needs to take up an investigation or the matter can be left to Merseyside Police.

“A decision should be made by this morning.”

‘A candle to light your way Daniel, shine for your family’

LAST night tributes were left on website Gone Too Soon to Daniel Baxendale.

One wrote: “A candle to light your way Daniel. Look for my Chris up there, he will guide you. Shine for your family, they will miss you, but the pain does get easier, my thoughts are with them. XX”

Another said: “You obviously made a lot of people very happy. Now it’s your time to rest. Sleep well. Best wishes to all the friends and family.”

And another: “RIP and God Bless you”