Man charged with murder after 15-year-old boy stabbed to death

A man has been charged with the murder of a 15-year-old boy and the attempted murder of the teenager’s mother.

Jakub Szymanski died in hospital from his injuries about an hour after emergency services were called to an address in the Miles Platting area of Manchester on Thursday night.

His mother, Katarzyna Bastek, was also treated for serious stab wounds at the property in Bednal Avenue.

Ms Bastek, in her 40s, was taken to hospital, where she is said to be in a stable condition.

Suleman Altaf, 44, of no fixed address, has been charged with murder, attempted murder and having a bladed article in a public place, Greater Manchester Police said.

He will appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

In a tribute, Jakub’s family said: “Jakub was lovingly known as Kuba to his family and Jakub to his friends. He was always a popular child, making friends wherever he went due to his friendly and chatty nature.

“He always spoke his mind, he was mischievous, funny and a cheeky boy. He loved his Xbox and football, supporting Manchester City.

“He was like every other teenage boy and was helpful to so many people, even those he just met. To our family, he’s our hero.”