Boy, 14, stabbed to death in Manchester named as 'bright and kind' teenager

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Nathaniel Shani, 14, was taken to hospital but sadly died from his injuries (Image: TikTok)
Nathaniel Shani, 14, was taken to hospital but sadly died from his injuries (Image: TikTok)

Tributes have poured in for a "young, bright and kind" teenage boy who was tragically stabbed to death in Manchester last night.

The victim, named as 14-year-old Nathaniel Shani, was taken to hospital but sadly died from his injuries after the stabbing in Harpurhey, Manchester. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

A 14-year-old boy remains in police custody, having been arrested a short time after the stabbing on suspicion of murder, and a 13-year-old boy was also arrested on the same allegations. This morning, floral tributes were laid at the scene of the tragedy, as the community was left devastated in the wake of his death.

A GoFundMe page was also set up to help Nathaniel's family, saying he was a "young, bright kind and caring boy". It added: "This has left so many people heart broken and I'm just trying to help his family at this hard time. Please help where you can." Friends have also flooded social media with tributes to the teenager, who was described as the "kindest soul".

Boy, 14, stabbed to death in Manchester named as 'bright and kind' teenager eiqkiqhqiqqdinvTwo teenagers have since been arrested (GMP)
Boy, 14, stabbed to death in Manchester named as 'bright and kind' teenagerHe was described as a 'young, bright kind and caring boy' (GMP)

In a statement released via Greater Manchester Police (GMP), his loved ones paid tribute, calling him a "best friend to many" who was "very kind, caring and always thinking of others". The tribute continued: “He was polite and the most loving person. He would always put other people first without a thought. He was an amazing brother and son to his parents and siblings. Our hearts are left broken. Rest in Paradise to the most kindest soul.”

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Police were called to reports of a stabbing in the area shortly after 6pm yesterday. Even after making two arrests, officers are appealing to the public for any information, especially from anyone who may have been in the area at the time of the incident.

One pal said: "Funniest person in the world", while another wrote: "Always in our hearts." A third friend added: "He didn't deserve this, we'll miss him a lot", and a fourth posted: "Rest in paradise... the kindest soul." In a statement, Harpurhey Neighbourhood Project said: "As a community, we are in mourning after hearing of a the tragic death of a 14 year old boy yesterday evening.

Boy, 14, stabbed to death in Manchester named as 'bright and kind' teenagerA GoFundMe page was also set up to help Nathaniel's family, saying he was a "young, bright kind and caring boy" (Gofundme)

"We offer our condolences to the family and friends, and our support in whatever way we can. The team is thinking and talking about ways in which we can support the young people immediately to process their grief and anger at this understandably emotional time."

Harpurhey councillor Pat Karney also told the Manchester Evening News: "Everyone in Harpurhey is heartbroken for this family. We can't imagine the pain and the anguish they are going through. Everyone in Harpurhey sends their love and support. Already people are in the area are leaving flowers as a mark of respect. If we could put our arms around [the family], everyone in Harpurhey, we would do."

GMP said it was scrambled to reports of a stabbing at around 6.05pm on Friday. A 14-year-old boy has since been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody for questioning. A Section 60 order, which allows police to stop and search people, is currently in place in parts of north Manchester until 8.26pm today.

Boy, 14, stabbed to death in Manchester named as 'bright and kind' teenagerFloral tributes were laid at the scene of the tragedy (Manchester Evening News)

Detective Superintendent Rebecca Boyce said: “This incident that has seen a young boy sadly die has understandably rocked the local community in Harpurhey. The Force and I would like to pass on our condolences to Nathaniel’s loved ones and we will continue to support them at this sad time.

“We now want to appeal to the local community for any eyewitness accounts or footage of any activity that we may be able to link to this investigation. It is crucial we have as much detail as possible to help piece together what has happened in this tragic incident where someone has sadly lost their life.

“We are keeping all available lines of enquiry open but no matter how small, your piece of information may be that crucial bit of evidence we need that can help us with this investigation.”

Boy, 14, stabbed to death in Manchester named as 'bright and kind' teenagerA forensic tent at the scene following the fatal stabbing (Manchester Evening News)

If anyone has any information or specific detail regarding the incident, they are asked to contact GMP’s Major Incident Team direct on 0161 856 3015 or 101 quoting incident number 2843 of 15/09/2023 or via the independent charity - Crimestoppers - on 0800 555 111.

Information can also be uploaded to GMP's Major Incident Public Portal - https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP23S55-PO1

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