The heartbroken families of two young men who were killed in a horror crash in Royton on Good Friday have paid an emotional tribute to them.
Harry Atkinson and Lewis Meeson, aged 20 and 21 respectively, have been named as the men who died after the collision in Oldham on 15 April.
The pair were riding a yellow Suzuki off-road motorbike when they collided with a grey Ford Kuga on High Barn Street shortly before 11am.
They both died from critical injuries sustained in the accident.
Harry and Lewis’ families have both paid tribute to the Royton locals over the weekend, describing them as ‘kind and thoughtful’ while thanking the outpouring of support from the community.
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The crash occurred around High Barn Street in Royton. Credit: Google Maps
Harry’s family said: “Words can’t describe how it feels to lose our youngest child, Harry – our son – in such a tragic way. Our hearts are broken.
“Harry is a much-loved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, uncle and friend.
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“His life and his death will touch many people – most of all those who love him dearly.
“Harry was 20, a loving kind and thoughtful young man; so full of life – happy in his job as a plumber with his whole life ahead of him.
“We want to thank all the first responders who tried their best to save both Harry and his friend’s lives and supported the other people involved in the terrible incident.
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‘Precious’: Harry Atkinson, 20, has been named as one of the men who died in the crash. Credit: GMP
“Thanks to the police who showed such kindness and compassion, and thanks for everyone’s kind words and support.
“Harry is precious to us and as we try to come to terms with the harsh reality that he isn’t coming home, we ask that people give us as a family some privacy, time and space in grieve in our own way.”
The family of 21-year-old Lewis said: “The family has been completely devastated by the loss of our beloved Lewis.
‘Loved and cherished’: Lewis Meeson, 21, also died in the accident. Credit: GMP
“We are truly humbled by the outpouring of love and support from the community and from Lewis’s friends and family.
“This has reinforced what we already knew; that he is loved and cherished by everyone who knew him.
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“The family would like to thank everybody for the hundreds of kind, positive messages that have been received. We are so grateful and it has brought much comfort at this horrific time.”
Harry and Lewis’ deaths are subject to an ongoing investigation by the Serious Collision Investigation Unit.
No arrests have been made and GMP are appealing for information and dash cam footage. The driver of the Ford remained at the scene and is assisting with enquiries.
Anyone with information can call 0161 856 4741 quoting incident 1045 of 15 April, or pass on details anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Featured image: GMP
Oldham
Two more people arrested as investigation into Dovestone Reservoir moorland fire continues
Emily Sergeant
Two more people have been arrested as part of the ongoing investigation into the devastating moorland fire near Dovestone Reservoir.
Yesterday (16 July 2026), a 19-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of arson and has been bailed pending further police enquiries, before a man in his 20s has today (17 July) been arrested on suspicion of arson, and remains in custody for questioning.
These follow the arrest and subsequent charging of 20-year-old Shania Care-Slede, from Hyde.
Care-Slede has been charged with aggravated arson, being reckless as to whether life was endangered, and dangerous driving, and was remanded in custody before appearing at Manchester Magistrates’ Court this past Tuesday (14 July).
After the blaze broke out this past Saturday evening (11 July) at the popular beauty spot in Oldham, prompting a major multi-agency response, fire crews from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) have been working around the clock in challenging conditions to contain the fire and prevent further spread across the moorland.
Specialist wildfire resources, command support units, drone technology, and partner agencies have also been deployed as operations continue across multiple sectors of the incident.
To make matters worse, ‘strong’ winds carried smoke across parts of Greater Manchester – with reports of haze and the smell of burning being received from areas well beyond the immediate vicinity of the fire.
With three major arrests having already now been made, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) says its officers are continuing to pursue a number of lines of enquiry and are seeking to identify any other individuals who may have been involved.
“This investigation has been progressing at pace, we are nearly a week on and the fire at Dovestones is still ongoing, and it has had devastating effects it has had on the Reservoir,” commented Detective Inspector Andrew Day, of GMP’s Oldham division said.
“As this incident continues, officers would like to thank all emergency service partners for their support and dedication.
“In particular, our colleagues at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, whose firefighters have spent countless hours tackling the fire in demanding conditions.”
As criminal proceedings are now active, GMP is continuing to encourage people to ‘avoid speculation’ online, particularly on social media.
Anyone with footage or information that may assist the ongoing investigation can submit it via the Dovestone Fire Evidence Submission Portal here.
Featured Image – GMFRS
Oldham
Woman, 20, publicly named and charged with aggravated arson in relation to Dovestone moorland fire
Emily Sergeant
A woman who was arrested on suspicion of arson as part of the ongoing investigation into a large moorland fire near Dovestone Reservoir has now been charged.
She has also been publicly named as 20-year-old Shania Care-Slede, from Hyde.
She has been charged with aggravated arson, being reckless as to whether life was endangered, and dangerous driving, and has been remanded in custody before appearing at Manchester Magistrates’ Court today (14 July 2026).
After the blaze broke out on Saturday evening at the popular beauty spot in Oldham, prompting a major multi-agency response that has now entered its third day, fire crews from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) have been working around the clock in challenging conditions to contain the fire and prevent further spread across the moorland.
Specialist wildfire resources, command support units, drone technology, and partner agencies have also been deployed as operations continue across multiple sectors of the incident.
To make matters worse, ‘strong’ winds carried smoke across parts of Greater Manchester – with reports of haze and the smell of burning being received from areas well beyond the immediate vicinity of the fire.
Residents affected by smoke are advised to keep windows and doors closed where possible.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) says its officers are continuing to pursue a number of lines of enquiry and are seeking to identify any other individuals who may have been involved.
“While we have secured charges against one individual, our investigation remains ongoing,” explained Detective Inspector Andrew Day. “Detectives are carefully reviewing all available evidence to identify anyone else who may have been involved in criminality linked to this incident.”
As criminal proceedings are now active, GMP says it would encourage people to ‘avoid speculation’ online, particularly on social media.
Daisy Jackson -
18th April 2022 
