Classmate remembers him as kind and welcoming

A classmate of a 12-year-old boy who was stabbed to death in Birmingham has described him as kind, helpful and welcoming as tributes continue.

Leo Ross was found near Scribers Lane in the Hall Green area of the city at about 15:40 GMT on Tuesday, having been stabbed between 15:15 and 15:40 GMT.

He had been stabbed in the stomach and died in hospital a few hours later.

Officers have been granted more time to question a 14-year-old boy on suspicion of Leo’s murder.

West Midlands Police revealed on Thursday that he is also being questioned about two assaults on 20 and 21 January, in addition to one on 19 January that had previously been reported.

The victims of the assaults are aged in their 70s and 80s and police are asking for any information which could help in their inquiries.

Hana, who was in the same class as Leo at Christ Church C of E Secondary Academy, said of his passing: “I think it’s really sad and ridiculous that this has happened.”

Remembering her classmate on BBC Radio WM, she added: “[He would] just do his work and get on with it and [he was] helpful as well and very welcoming. It’s upsetting that he’s passed away.”

Hana’s mother Saima said his death was “devastating” and called for “something to be done” about knife crime.

“I can’t imagine what the parents are going through,” she added.

“It’s very scary because you send your child to school in the morning and wouldn’t ever think they won’t ever come back. That thought is very devastating and scary.”

Speaking to BBC Midlands Today, one woman said her children described Leo as a “lovely, caring, innocent little boy” who did not deserve what happened to him.

“He was in the wrong place at the wrong time,” she added.

Christ Church C of E Secondary Academy issued a statement saying the 14-year-old boy in custody had never been a student at the school.

It has also said it will open a book of condolence for students and the community to honour Leo’s life, while plans are under way for a memorial service and a lasting tribute.

Leo’s family said he had been walking a 10-minute route home when the attack happened and described him on Wednesday as “funny, sweet and had not one aggressive bone in his body”.

Flowers and messages have been left at the scene on Scribers Lane.

Diane Henson, chief executive of Leo’s school in Yardley Wood, Birmingham, has described him as a “lovely and bright member of the school community”, adding he had many friends who adored him.

West Midlands Police has said officers will be carrying out patrols locally to try to reassure residents.

In the last six months there have been several high-profile knife crime cases involving young people in the West Midlands.

In June 2024, two 12-year-old boys were found guilty of murdering Shawn Seesahai with a machete in Wolverhampton.

In November 2024, a 15-year-old boy was charged with murder after a 17-year-old boy was stabbed in Marston Green.

A 15-year-old boy was charged with attempted murder on 5 January, following the stabbing of a 14-year-old boy in Oldbury.

Simon Foster, West Midlands police and crime commissioner, said youth violence and knife crime were being tackled through “robust policing” and investment in prevention, including education programmes at schools.

He said there had been a reduction in related offences in the region, which he described as “welcome”.

“But I am not, and neither is West Midlands Police, remotely complacent about that. One victim of youth violence and knife crime is one too many,” he told BBC Radio WM.

“We absolutely, all of us collectively as a region, have to commit to that constant and unremitting action to prevent and tackle youth violence and knife crime to protect our young people and our vulnerable [people] to save lives.”