Police investigating a savage attack in Manchester which left a teenage boy dead and his mother serious injured, have arrested a man in Kent.

Fifteen-year-old Jakub Szymanski died from stab wounds but his mother - named locally as Katarzyna Bastek - survived the attack in Miles Platting on Thursday evening.

It has been reported that Jakub – known to his family as Kuba – was attacked as he attempted to protect his mother.

A 44-year-old man, believed to be known to the victims, was arrested in Dungeness last night.

Greater Manchester Police officers were called by colleagues from North West Ambulance Service at about 9.30pm on Thursday following the incident.

Jakub was treated at the scene for stab wounds before being taken to hospital where he died around an hour later, the force said.

In a tribute, the teenager’s 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.”

His mother, in her 40s, was treated at the scene for serious stab wounds and is now in a stable condition in hospital.

Detective Chief Inspector Alicia Smith, from Greater Manchester Police’s major incident team, 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.”

“Thursday's attack has left a community reeling and a family coming to terms with what was an absolutely devastating incident for everyone involved.

'To our family, he’s our hero'

“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.

“Our inquiries are on-going and we would still like to hear from anyone with information, or anyone who may have seen anything. Report it online or via LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk or alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”