Yousef Makki death: family pay tribute

4 March 2019, 16:40 | Updated: 4 March 2019, 16:42

The family of 17-year-old Yousef Makki, who died after being stabbed in Hale Barns, has paid tribute to him.

In a heartfelt statement, they 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.”
At around 6:40pm on Saturday (2 March 2019), police were called to Gorse Bank Road to reports that a teenage boy had been stabbed.
Officers attended the scene and Yousef was taken to hospital where he sadly died a short time later.
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.
“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