Birmingham stabbing: Family's heartbreaking tribute to 'golden boy', 12, killed in knife attack
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A heartbroken family have paid tribute to their "golden boy" after he was stabbed to death in Birmingham. Leo Ross, 12, was found by a member of the public with stab wounds to the stomach in the Hall Green area at around 3pm on Tuesday afternoon. He was taken to hospital but was pronounced dead at around 7.30pm.
A boy aged 14 was arrested on suspicion of murder around four hours later. The teenager was also being questioned over a separate, unconnected assault on a woman in her 80s two days before the murder. Tributes have poured in since Leo was named by police last night - including from members of his grieving family. One told the Mail: "He was a really good lad, a really nice lad, cheerful, not a bad bone in his body. He's a golden kid." Another family member told the BBC that he was "funny, sweet, and did not have one aggressive bone in his body".
Leo was a pupil at Christ Church C of E Secondary Academy, and headteacher Diane Henson described his death as a tragedy. She said this afternoon: "Leo was a lively and happy young man. He had many very good friends who he absolutely adored, and they adored him.
"He 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. Our thoughts are with Leo’s family and all his friends today.". West Midlands Police said detectives were in the early stages of their investigations and have urged people who may have information to come forward. Chief Superintendent Richard North, Birmingham Local Policing Area commander, said: "I would ask the public and the media not to speculate on the motive of this incident, the investigation is in the early stages and we have someone in custody. I would urge anyone who saw what happened, or who has CCTV, mobile phone or dashcam footage from the area at the time to get in touch with us as soon as possible to help us build as clear a picture as possible.
