Mum-of-four’s ex-boyfriend appears in court for murder of her son, 15, after he was stabbed to death ‘protecting her’

A MUM-of-four's ex appeared in court today charged with murdering her “hero” son, believed to have died trying to protect her.

Jakub Szymanksi, 15, died in hospital after he was found with stab wounds at a home in Miles Platting, Manchester, on Thursday night.

His mum, Katarzyna Bastek, was also treated for stab wounds, as her son "fought for his family".

Her ex, Suleman Altaf, 44, has since been charged with murder, attempted murder and having a bladed article in a public place.

Altaf - dressed in a grey tracksuit - appeared in Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court today where the three charges were read to him by a court clerk.

He spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth and no pleas were entered.

The case was sent to Manchester Crown Court where Altaf is due to appear on Tuesday.

Jakub was treated at the scene for stab wounds on Thursday at around 9.30pm, before being rushed to hospital where he died around an hour later, cops said.

His mum also sustained knife wounds and is now in a stable condition in hospital.

A family statement released through police 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."

It added: "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."

Meanwhile, tributes have poured in for hero Jakub, with friends and family hailing the brave young lad.

One friend told Manchester Evening News: "There's not a chance that boy isn't a hero. Everyone here knew him for being kind and respectful.

"He was quiet, but he was a protector. He fought for his family. He was an amazing person, he was a hero and he should be remembered as one."

A police cordon remains around the scene in Manchester, as investigations continue.

Detective Chief Inspector Gina Brennand described the attack as "ferocious" and called for witnesses to come forward.

He was a protector. He fought for his family.

Family friend

And Detective Chief Inspector Alicia Smith, said: “This attack has left a community reeling and a family coming to terms with what was an absolutely devastating incident for everyone involved.

“A teenage boy who had his whole life ahead of him has tragically lost his life and not only is his mother grieving at the loss of her son, but she is also recovering from what will have been no doubt, hugely traumatic.

"Our thoughts remain very much with the family and we are absolutely committed to establishing what exactly happened last night.

“Detectives have been working around the clock since this incident was first reported to us and we've now made an arrest which is a huge step forward in getting the family the answers they need.

“Our enquiries are on-going and we would still like to hear from anyone with information, or anyone who may have seen anything."

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting incident 3105 of 09/06/2022, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.