The family of Yousef Makki, the 17-year-old stabbed to death in Hale Barns on Saturday, have described him as a “loving and caring son and brother” who had “everything to look forward to”.
The Manchester Grammar School pupil, from Burnage, was stabbed on Gorse Bank Road in Hale Barns on Saturday evening and died in hospital.
Two 17-year-olds have been arrested on suspicion of his murder.
In a heartfelt statement released this afternoon, Yousef’s family said: “Yousef was a loving and caring son and brother and he meant the world to his family.
“He was a sporty young man, a dedicated student and so bright. He had everything to look forward to.
“We are absolutely devastated and cannot believe that our son has gone. This senseless loss has affected the whole community.
“Yousef had only phoned home hours earlier to say that he would be home for his tea, but the next knock at the door were officers with the tragic news, it is every parent’s worst nightmare.
“We would appeal to anyone with information to contact the police and to help us find out what has happened on Saturday evening.
“Only recently had we talked about his promising life ahead of him and how he was looking forward to life. He was a promising student and loved by everyone.”
Manchester Grammar School also paid tribute to Yousef, saying in a statement: “Manchester Grammar School is today mourning the tragic loss of one of its pupils.
“Yousef Makki was a dearly loved young man and incredibly bright pupil.”
Leading the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Colin Larkin, said: “The last couple of days have been absolutely devastating for Yousef’s family – something no mother or father should ever have to live through.
“Our specialist officers have been supporting them as we continue our investigation but now I turn to the community for their help.
Video from the scene on Gorse Bank Road in Hale Barns, where two 17-year-olds have been arrested on suspicion of the murder of a 17-year-old boy https://t.co/8nJE4a2kcD #altrincham pic.twitter.com/Au7F7uU2Y9
— Altrincham Today (@altrinchamtoday) March 3, 2019
“Do you have any information that could help us with our enquiries? Do you know something but you’ve not yet made contact with us?
“We know there were vehicles in the area around the time of the fateful incident, did you see something? Please send us your dashcam footage and any information you have as soon as possible.
“Don’t do it for me, do it for his family who tonight, and every night from now on, will have to go to sleep knowing they’ll never see Yousef again.”
Anybody with information should contact police on 0161 856 6777 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Dashcam footage can be sent directly to SCD.cctv@gmp.police.uk.
