The mother of Yousef Makki, who was stabbed to death in Hale Barns in 2019, has died.

Debbie Makki, 55, passed away peacefully at 4am this morning, according to a Facebook post by her daughter, Jade Akoum.

Her post said: "At 4am my beautiful strong mum Debbie Makki peacefully passed away.

"God rest your soul, at least you're with Yousef now, we told him we needed you here a bit longer but you had to be together.

"We love you so so much, I didn't think my heart could take any more pain and loss and grief.

"Mum died with a broken heart and we knew she wanted justice for Yousef and I promise you mum we won't give up until we get it for you."

Messenger Newspapers:

Debbie Makki

Yousef Makki, 17, was stabbed and killed in a fight with Joshua Molnar in Gorse Bank Road, Hale Barns, on March 2 2019.

Yousef had a scholarship to Manchester Grammar School at the time of his death.

Joshua Molnar, now 18, was cleared of murder and manslaughter following a four-week trial at Manchester Crown Court in July 2019.

He admitted possession of a knife and perverting the course of justice by initially lying to police about what had happened, and was given 16 months in custody.

Adam Chowdhary, 18, was convicted of possession of a knife and sentenced to a four-month detention order.

He was cleared of perverting the course of justice and along with Molnar was found not guilty of a single charge of conspiracy to robbery.

Messenger Newspapers:

17-year-old Yousef Makki from Burnage

Ms Makki and the family have been calling for a full inquest into Yousef's death, and at a pre-inquest hearing in February their legal representative Matthew Stanbury said matters surrounding the teenager's death "have not been sufficiently aired".

In October, Ms Makki gave a speech at an anti-knife crime summit in Manchester.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham was among those to pay tribute to her.

He wrote on Twitter: "So so sorry to hear this news. And after everything the family has been through.

"Debbie was such a lovely person and deserved so much more. My love to them all."