Family of teenage stab victim devastated by his murder

The family of a teenage grammar school boy stabbed to death in a Cheshire village have said they are devastated by his murder.

Yousef Makki, 17, who dreamed of becoming a heart surgeon, was stabbed on Saturday evening in Hale Barns, a leafy village south of Manchester popular with top footballers and celebrities.

Two boys, also aged 17, are in custody on suspicion of murder.

The victim, from Burnage, Manchester, is thought to have won a scholarship to attend the £12,000 a year independent Manchester Grammar School.

In a tribute, his 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.”

Police were first alerted around 6:40pm on Saturday to reports a teenager had been stabbed on Gorse Bank Road, Hale Barns.

Officers attended the scene and Yousef was taken to hospital where he died a short time later.