Boy, 12, killed in Birmingham stabbing was ‘adored’

A 12-year-old boy who was stabbed to death in Birmingham was “adored” by his friends and was “funny and sweet”, his head teacher said.

Leo Ross was stabbed in the stomach and found near Scribers Lane in Hall Green at about 15:40 GMT on Tuesday and later died in hospital, West Midlands Police said.

He was a pupil at Christ Church C of E Secondary Academy and was a “lively and happy young man” with “many very good friends”, executive head teacher Diane Henson added.

A 14-year-old boy was earlier arrested on suspicion of murder. Police said the teenager had also been arrested in connection with an unrelated assault on a woman in her 80s on 19 January.

Ms Henson said Leo was “just a lovely and bright member of the school community”.

“We’re supporting the children at school and are opening a book of condolence with the family’s permission,” she added.

The executive head teacher stated Leo had many good friends “who he absolutely adored and they adored him”.

The family said he had been walking a 10-minute route home when the attack happened and described him as “funny, sweet and had not one aggressive bone in his body”.

Ch Supt Richard North described the stabbing as “an appalling and senseless attack”.

“We are doing everything we can to support the loved ones of the young boy who lost his life in such an appalling way, but we know that nothing we say or do will diminish their agony,” he added.

Scribers Lane is a long and busy road, surrounded by houses, shops and local schools, in the suburb of Hall Green.

The attack is believed to have taken place near the railway bridge, which is next to Trittiford Mill Park.

Flowers were left at the scene along with written messages which included saying Leo was “loved by many people” and “our lives won’t be the same without you”.

Ch Supt North said: “Parents around the country will hear this news and be unable to comprehend the pain they must be feeling.

“Our hearts go out to the young boy’s family today.”

He urged people and the media not to speculate on the motive for the attack.

Ch Supt North added he would urge anyone who saw what happened or who had CCTV, mobile phone or dashcam footage from the area at the time to get in touch as soon as possible.

The West Midlands force said their officers would be carrying out patrols locally to try to reassure residents.

Knife crime figures released in July showed the West Midlands Police area had the highest rate of offences in England and Wales.