THE heartbroken family of a 12-year-old boy who was stabbed to death in Birmingham has paid tribute to the “golden kid”.
Leo Ross was found by a member of the public with a stab wound to the stomach on the banks of the River Cole in Hall Green on Tuesday afternoon.
PALeo Ross, 12, who died in hospital hours after he was found with a stab wound[/caption]
SWNSPolice at the scene near Scribers Lane on Wednesday[/caption]
AlamyThe scene on Tuesday night[/caption]
A family member of Leo, who asked not to be named, 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.”
A 14-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of murder, as well as over an assault on a woman in her 80s, police have said.
Officers responded to calls from an area near Scribers Lane in Hall Green at around 3.15pm.
Leo was a pupil at Christ Church Secondary Academy and is understood to have been walking home when he was attacked.
Police cordoned off several entrances to The Shire Country Park, which includes a stretch of the River Cole.
Paramedics rushed the youngster to hospital where he was tragically pronounced dead a short while later.
Christ Church 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.”
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.
Chief Superintendent Richard North previously 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.”
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