Jakub Szymanski: man charged with murder and attempted murder in court as tribute paid to stabbing victim

A man has been charged with murder and attempted murder following the fatal stabbing of 15-year-old Jakub Szymanski in Manchester.

The teenager died and his mother Katarzyna Bastek was also hurt in what police described as a “ferocious attack” at an address on Bednal Road in Miles Platting.

Suleman Altaf, of no fixed abode, has now appeared before a crown court judge today (Tuesday 14 June).

As the investigation into the double stabbing continues Jakub’s devastated family have paid tribute to him, remembering him as a “funny and cheeky boy”.

What has happened with the police investigation?

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) charged Altaf, who is 44, with murder, attempted murder and having an article in a public place.

He appeared before a judge on Tuesday 14 June at Manchester Crown Court Crown Square.

He is now due to appear in court again on 17 August and 12 December has been pencilled in as a start date for a trial.

Altaf has been remanded in custody.

He initially appeared before magistrates at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on Monday 13 June.

What has Jakub’s family said about him?

Jakub’s family has paid tribute to him following his death.

His 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.”

At the time the tribute was issued police said Ms Bastek, 40, was in a stable condition in hospital.