News, West Midlands
A12-year-old boy who was stabbed to death in Birmingham was “adored” by his friends and was “funny and sweet”, his head teacher said.
The West Midlands force said Leo Ross was stabbed in the stomach and found near Scribers Lane in Hall Green at about 15:40 GMT on Tuesday and died in hospital later.
Leo, a pupil at Christ Church C of E Secondary Academy, was a “lively and happy young man” and “had 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.
