A boy killed in a 'ferocious' double stabbing while trying to protect his mother has been named as Jakub Szymanski. He has been hailed a 'hero' for stepping in to to save his mum, Katarzyna Bastek.
Jakub was described as a 'protector' who 'fought for his family'. Murder squad detectives are probing the horrific incident - which left the teenager's mother injured - in Miles Platting on Thursday evening (June 9).
A 44-year-old Manchester man, who is believed to be known to the victims, was last night arrested in Kent on suspicion of murder. Jakub was 15, not 14 as earlier reported by Greater Manchester Police.
His mother, it is understood, is in her 40s. She is named and pictured here after a person close to her asked for her permission.
READ MORE: Heartbroken community in shock after boy killed and mum badly hurt
Officers continued to investigate at the scene on Bednal Avenue on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, with fingertip searches being carried out. Forensic teams were seen gathering evidence. Neighbours spoke of their shock following the incident, which happened at around 9.30pm on Thursday.
Jakub's mum Katarzyna was left with serious injuries, police said. She remains in hospital, in a stable condition, mourning the loss of her son. The M.E.N. understands Jakub was trying to help his mother when he was knifed.
He was rushed to hospital with 'serious' stab wounds, GMP said. He sadly died around an hour later.
A person close to Jakub, who asked not to be named, told the M.E.N: "There's not a chance that boy isn't a hero. Everyone here knew him for being kind and respectful.
"He was quiet, but he was a protector. He fought for his family. He was an amazing person, he was a hero and he should be remembered as one."
Jakub is understood to have been one of four brothers. The murder investigation is being led by GMP's Major Incident Team, with a police cordon remaining in place on Saturday morning. A bunch of flowers laid in tribute to Jakub could be seen.
Speaking after the man's arrest on Friday night, Detective Chief Inspector Alicia Smith, from GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “Last night’s attack has left a community reeling and a family coming to terms with what was an absolutely devastating incident for everyone involved.
“A teenage boy who had his whole life ahead of him has tragically lost his life and not only is his mother grieving at the loss of her son, but she is also recovering from what will have been no doubt, hugely traumatic. Our thoughts remain very much with the family and we are absolutely committed to establishing what exactly happened last night.
“Detectives have been working around the clock since this incident was first reported to us and we've now made an arrest which is a huge step forward in getting the family the answers they need.
“Our enquiries are on-going and we would still like to hear from anyone with information, or anyone who may have seen anything. Report it online or via LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk or alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting incident 3105 of June 9. Information can also be reported online or by using the LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk. If you can't report online, call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, GMP added.
