A TEENAGER held over the alleged murder of a 12-year-old boy has been further arrested in connection with three other attacks on pensioners.
The assaults are believed to have occurred on 19, 20 and 21 January shortly before Leo’s murder.
PALeo Ross, 12, who died in hospital hours after he was found with a stab wound to the stomach[/caption]
West Midlands Police said in a statement: “A teenage boy arrested in connection with the murder of 12-year-old Leo Ross remains in custody today.
“Officers investigating Leo’s death have been granted extra time to question the 14-year-old boy, who was arrested on Tuesday night.
“We are also investigating three assaults in the Hall Green area, one on 19 January, one on 20 January and one on 21 January, shortly before Leo’s murder, which happened at around 3.15pm.
“The victims of the assaults are aged in their 70s and 80s and we are asking for any information which could help in our enquiries.
“The suspect was initially arrested on suspicion of the January 19 assault and then while in custody he was arrested on suspicion of murder and then later the two further assaults.”
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.
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.”
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.
SWNSCandles and flowers at the scene where Leo Ross was fatally stabbed in Hall Green, Birmingham[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
