Friends of a hero teenager who lost his life trying to save his mum from a knife attack have set up a fundraising page to support his family. Jakub Szymanski, 15, died in hospital following a horror double stabbing in Miles Platting on Thursday evening (June 9).
It is understood he stepped in to protect his mother Katarzyna Bastek when a man launched an attack. The mum, who is in her 40s, was hurt and is recovering in hospital, mourning the loss of her beloved son. A man was later arrested in Kent on suspicion of murder, police said.
The probe surrounding the incident at a property on Bednal Avenue continues. Detectives have been 'working around the clock'. Investigations at the scene continued on Saturday, with GMP saying officers will be in the area all weekend.
READ MORE: Hero boy, 15, killed 'trying to save his mum' in ferocious Manchester double stabbing is named
Friend Liam Welsh said Jakub and his brothers were 'family'. Along with girlfriend Danielle Baker, he has set up a fundraiser to help Yakub's loved ones.
Liam, also from Miles Platting, said: "It's to cover the costs of the funeral. It's also to put them at ease and to help them out financially.
"They were all part of the family. Everything we raise will be going straight to his mum."
The fundraiser's page reads: "It is unimaginable what the family is going through - dealing with the loss of a child, brother and friend. It is not something a mother should have to face. These amazing people are now facing a future without their loving Jakub.
"If we can raise enough to help cover the funeral costs and give Jakub the send off he so rightfully deserves, it would be one less financial worry for the family to deal with."
A person close to Jakub, who asked not to be named, earlier 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."
Speaking after a suspect was detained on Friday night, Detective Chief Inspector Alicia Smith, from GMP’s Major Incident Team, added: “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."
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.
You can donate to the fundraiser for the family online here.
