The family of a teenager who died in Hale Barns have paid tribute ahead of his funeral.

Yousef Makki, 17, died in hospital after being found with stab wounds on Gorse Bank Road on March 2.

Today his family released a statement as friends, fellow students and loved ones gathered to pay their respects.

They said: "We can’t express how devastatingly painful the loss of a brother, son, cousin and ultimately a best friend has been.

"Our hearts will bleed eternally for the loss of our beautiful, clever and talented brother Yousef.

"Yousef was an inspiration to all. His determination, wit and dedication to his family and studies were the foundations of his outstanding personality and he showed an extremely promising future that was tragically cut short.

"Yousef’s early departure has torn a huge, empty hole inside of everyone’s hearts. For his friends, family and even neighbours, a world without him is a world turned upside down."

Yousef, from Burnage, was studying at Manchester Grammar School.

The statement continued: "Yousef didn’t care about circumstances or which area he came from; instead, Yousef strived to do the best he could and use any opportunities given to him to the fullest.

"Words alone cannot convey the trauma and emptiness this has left particularly for our family. Although not in physical presence there are many, many lasting memories that we all have of Yousef that will last a lifetime even though unfortunately he couldn’t.

"All we can ask for now as a family is that press and other social presences leave us in peace so that we can grieve and try and deal with this horrific event the best way possible."

Two 17-year-olds, who cannot be named for legal reasons, have been charged in connection with his death.

A 17-year-old boy has been charged with murder and possession of an offensive weapon.

Another 17-year-old boy has been charged with assisting an offender.