Boy charged with murder of 12-year-old Leo Ross

Leo Ross died in hospital after he was stabbed in the stomach

A 14-year-old boy has been charged with murder after Leo Ross, 12, was stabbed in Birmingham.

West Midlands Police said Leo suffered fatal knife wounds to the stomach on Tuesday afternoon and was found close to Scribers Lane, Hall Green. He died in hospital at 19:30 GMT that evening.

A member of his family described him as "the most beautiful, kind child" and "the nicest kid you would meet".

The 14-year-old accused, who cannot be named because of his age, has also been charged with seven other offences, including possession of a bladed weapon, police confirmed.

The other charges include the assault of a woman on 22 October and two charges of assaulting police officers on 26 November.

He is also accused of the serious assault of a woman on 19 January, the serious assault of a woman on 20 January and the assault of a woman on 21 January.

None of these charges involved a knife, police added.

The teenager, who is being held in custody, is due to appear before Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Monday.

A tribute mural to Leo Ross appeared near his school following his death

In tribute to Leo, his family described him as "an amazing, kind and loving boy".

"Not only has Leo's life been taken, all of our lives have as well," they said.

"Leo will be truly missed by all of us. He was loved so much by everyone."

The family thanked the police and everyone involved for "supporting us all through this horrific time".

He was a pupil at Christ Church C of E Secondary Academy and was a "lively and happy young man" with "many very good friends", executive head teacher Diane Henson said.

"[He was] just a lovely and bright member of the school community," she said.

"We're supporting the children at school and are opening a book of condolence with the family's permission."

One of Leo's classmates described him as kind, helpful and welcoming.

Hana, who was in the same class as him, said: "I think it's really sad and ridiculous that this has happened."

Speaking on BBC Radio WM earlier this week, she said: "[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.

Leo's death has shocked the community in Hall Green, and many people have paid tribute to him

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.

Following Leo's death, the West Midlands police and crime commissioner Simon Foster said youth violence and knife crime were being tackled through "robust policing" and investment in prevention, including education programmes at schools.

"One victim of youth violence and knife crime is one too many," he said.

The investigation into Leo's death was continuing police said, and they said they were still appealing for anyone with information.