Tributes have been paid to the 17-year-old student who was stabbed to death in Hale Barns as he was named as Yousef Makki.

The teenager lived in Burnage and was a student at Manchester Grammar School.

He was rushed to hospital following the horrific incident on Saturday night, but tragically died a short time later.

His family have been informed and officers are currently offering them support, GMP said.

Two teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of stabbing the student to death and were in police custody on Saturday night, the force said.

Detective Superintendent Phil Reade, Head of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “This is an incredibly tragic case which has seen a teenage boy sadly lose his life.

“Yousef’s family has understandably been left devastated by his death and the thoughts of the entire investigation team remain with them at this difficult time.

“A team of dedicated detectives have been working throughout the night and into today trying to establish exactly what happened.

"The investigation is in its very early stages and we continue to remain open minded about why Yousef was attacked, and we would like to speak to anyone who may have information that can assist.

“We are particularly keen to speak to anyone who was walking or driving in the vicinity of Gorse Bank Road or Sunbank Lane at around 6:30pm. These people may not realise it but they could hold vital information to assist the investigation and help Yousef’s family get the answers they deserve.”

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Officers were called to reports a boy had been stabbed in Gorse Bank Road in the village of Hale Barns near Altrincham shortly before 6.40pm.

A police scene remains on Gorse Bank Road this afternoon as forensic officers comb the street for evidence.

Hundreds of M.E.N readers expressed their shock following the attack which happened in the leafy suburb of Trafford.

The village is regarded as one of the wealthiest areas in Greater Manchester and contains some of the most expensive properties outside London.

Tanya Daly wrote: "R.I.P Youseff Makki what a lovely young man from a loving family my love and thoughts go out to them today."

Alisia Wilson wrote: "Just goes to show knife crime can happen anywhere!

"R.I.P young man thoughts and prayers are with your family."

Farzaneh Yari said: "I am really shocked. We live in Hale Barns and in this area this is rare.

"My thoughts are with the young lad's family at this difficult time. R.I.P young man.

And Ayla Oglu wrote: R.I.P he was such a good lad, very clever and caring.

"He could have gone to the best universities, why did it have to end like that absolutely gutted."

Superintendent Marcus Noden said the circumstances surrounding the boy's death were still being established.

He added: "This investigation is in its very early stages and the circumstances surrounding this young man's death are still being established.

"I know residents will be shocked and concerned to hear what has tragically taken place tonight.

"We have been speaking to people living on the road as part of our immediate inquiries and we will continue to do so over the coming hours and into tomorrow.

"There will be extra police patrols over the next few days and those officers are there to provide a visible presence and also for people to approach if they do have any concerns.

"This young man and his family will continue to be at the forefront of our minds throughout this investigation. Our thoughts are with his family at this heart-breaking time.

(Image: Eamonn and James Clarke)

"Anyone who does know something, or might have seen something or someone acting suspicious, should call us immediately."

Pictures from the scene on Sunday show a police tent at the spot where Yousef is thought to have been stabbed.

Two mountain bikes are also behind another police scene nearby, which appear to have been bagged up as police evidence.

Councillor for Hale Central, Denise Haddad said: “Obviously this is a tragic incident but we must not let things get out of perspective because it is statistically one of the safest areas to live in.

“This is not something that has happened before and there is no evidence to suggest that more people are carrying knives in this area.

“We have not seen any spike in knife crime.

“People will be horrified and shocked because this is not something that happens or has happened in this area before.

“It is a nice leafy area and nice place to live with good schools in the area and a sense of community.”

Witnesses should call the police on 101 quoting incident number 1871 of March 2 2019 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.