AN “adored” 12-year-old boy was stabbed to death on his way home from school – with a 14-year-old being arrested.
Heartbreaking tributes have been paid to Leo Ross, who is believed to have been walking through a Birmingham park when he was knifed in the stomach on Tuesday night.
A 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of his murder.
The same teenager is also being held in connection with an assault on a woman aged in her 80s in the same area of the city on the same day.
Leo was a pupil at Christ Church Secondary Academy and is understood to have been walking home when he attacked.
Executive Headteacher Diane Henson said: “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. Are thoughts are with Leo’s family and all his friends today.”
Police responded to calls from an area near Scribers Lane in Hall Green at around 3.15pm on Tuesday afternoon.
Police cordoned off several entrances to The Shire Country Park, which includes a stretch of the River Cole.
Officers found Leo who had been stabbed around school finishing time.
Paramedics rushed the youngster to hospital where he was tragically pronounced dead a short while later.
In a written statement issued to BBC News, a member of the victim’s family described him as “the most beautiful, kind child”, and “the nicest kid you would meet”.
The family member added that the boy was “funny, sweet and had not one aggressive bone in his body”, and had been walking a ten-minute route home.
Residents living near a riverside path leading into a wooded area of the park spoke of their shock at discovering the victim’s age and that he had passed away.
One resident, who declined to give her name, said a member of the public had knocked on her door shortly after 3pm on Tuesday asking for the area’s postcode to assist emergency services in reaching the scene.
She told reporters: “The first thing I knew was a gentleman came and asked for the postcode as somebody had been injured.
“He just came and knocked the door.
“We had two police cars and then a helicopter. I found out somebody had been stabbed last night but it wasn’t till this morning that I realised the poor little soul had died.”
Another woman, who said her son was in the same school class as the Leo, said she believed he was walking home through the park.
ARREST
His family were informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
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West Midlands Police has since arrested a 14-year-old boy on suspicion of murder.
Chief Superintendent Richard North 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.
“This is 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.
“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.”
Anyone who could help with the investigation has been urged to use their Major Incident Public Portal.
Detective Inspector Joe Davenport from our Major Crime Unit said: “We’re urgently reviewing CCTV and speaking to witnesses as we work to understand what happened and why, and who was responsible.
“If you were in the area at the time and saw what happened, or think you may have captured any part of what happened on dashcam or mobile phone, it’s vital you get in touch with as soon as possible.”
A spokesperson for the force said: “We have set up our Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) where members of the public can submit photos or video evidence.
“Visit Public Portal (mipp.police.uk) to access the MIPP or use the QR code below.
“Anyone with any other information can call 101 or use Live Chat quoting log 3324 of 21 January.”
