A 15-year-old boy has been hailed a “hero” by his family after he died amid reports he tried to step in and save his mother during a stabbing at a house.

Jakub Szymanski was taken to hospital with stab wounds but later died after officers were called to an address in the Miles Platting area of Manchester on Thursday.

Police said his mother – a woman in her 40s – was also treated at the scene for serious stab wounds and was taken to hospital where she remains in a stable condition.

His family have now released a statement paying tribute to the teenager.

They 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.”

Man arrested in Kent

It is understood Jakub was trying to help his mother when he was stabbed in Bednal Avenue, sometime around 9.30pm, the Manchester Evening News and other local media reported.

A 44-year-old man from Manchester was arrested in Kent on Friday on suspicion of murder.

He is thought to be known to the victims and is currently being questioned.

‘Boy had his whole life ahead of him’

Detective Chief Inspector Alicia Smith, from Greater Manchester Police, said: “We’re still continuing with our investigation and last night’s arrest has been a huge step in potentially getting a grieving family the answers they so badly need.

“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.”

Police have appealed for anyone with information to get in touch via www.gmp.police.uk or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.