Tributes To Manchester Bus Victim

13 September 2011, 14:57 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Tributes have been paid to a man killed after being knocked down by a bus whilst chasing a suspected thief have paid tribute to him.

21 year old David Mark Schofield, of Powell Avenue, Hyde, died on Sunday 11 September 2011 from injuries he suffered after he was in a collision with a bus the night before.

His family have released the following statement:

'David was enthusiastic and a keen footballer. It was his dream to be a school teacher and was about to start his second year at Liverpool University.

'He was tragically taken too soon.

'David was a devoted Manchester City fan and loved nothing more than being a true Blue.

'He packed so much into his short life - travelling all over Europe with friends and his football team, Stalybridge Celtic Academy.

'He lived life to the full and was the heart and soul of any party. He never took anything for granted and was committed to everything he did.

'From a young age David made his mark, winning England's under nines chess championship in Liverpool.

'David was part of a large loving family, loving son of Nikki, big brother to Beccy and Jack and devoted grandson of Anne, loving nephew of Sarah.

'He will be missed deeply by all family and his large network of close friends.

'We are heartbroken and miss you. We just want you back.'

Shortly after 11.30pm on Saturday 10 September 2011, police were called to Oxford Road at its junction with Chester Street following reports a man had collided with a city-bound double-decker bus.

Officers attended and the man was taken to the Manchester Royal Infirmary, but died on Sunday evening as a result of his injuries.

The bus driver immediately went to David's aid after the collision and later told police he had been approached by two women who told him they believed David had been the victim of a theft moments before the collision.

They told the driver David may have been pursuing a cyclist who stole his mobile phone moments earlier and stepped into the road while chasing the offender.

Officers have been searching through CCTV from the city and have found footage that appears to corroborate what the women told the bus driver.

A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft last night, Monday 13 September 2011, and has been bailed to 5 October 2011, pending further inquiries.

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses. Detectives are also appealing for a cyclist wearing a light-coloured hooded top and riding a BMX bike to come forward.