A teenager stabbed to death rang home only hours earlier to tell his family he would be back home for tea.
Yousef Makki, 17, from Burnage, died after being stabbed in Hale Barns, near Altrincham, on Saturday evening.
His heartbroken family have told how they were expecting him home for tea – but instead received a visit from the police with the devastating news.
“Yousef was a loving and caring son and brother and he meant the world to his family,” they said in a heartfelt statement.
“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.”
They added: “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.”
Manchester Grammar School, where Makki was studying four A-levels with aspirations to pursue a career in medicine, has also described how they are mourning the loss of “a dearly loved young man and incredibly bright pupil”.
The school observed two minutes of silence in remembrance of the teenager.
Dr Martin Boulton, the high master, which is the name the school uses instead of the conventional headmaster, said: “It is impossible to make sense of such a senseless act which has taken away a proud family’s son, a dear friend and a young man of such promise.
He said: “There has been an outpouring of grief at school at this tragic loss. The thoughts of the whole school community are with Yousef’s family.
“At this time, we would ask that the privacy of his family and friends is respected while we all mourn and seek to come to terms with what has happened.”
The family and police are appealing for anyone with information about what happened on Saturday evening to get in touch.
Police were called to Gorse Bank Road at around 6.40pm on Saturday to reports a teenage boy was stabbed.
Makki was taken to hospital where he died a short time later.
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.”
Two 17-year-old boys have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody.
Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 6777 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.