A 14-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of 12-year-old Leo Ross, who was fatally stabbed in Hall Green, Birmingham.
The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested on Tuesday, approximately four hours after Leo suffered fatal injuries on a riverside path.
West Midlands Police confirmed this afternoon that the teenager had been charged with murder and will appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Monday.
The accused has been remanded into custody following the charges.
The 14-year-old has also been charged with six additional assaults and possession of a bladed article.
Police revealed the youth is accused of assaulting a woman on October 22 last year, followed by serious assaults on a woman on January 19 and 20.
Leo Ross was fatally stabbed in Hall Green, Birmingham on Tuesday
WEST MIDLANDS POLICE
The charges include a further assault on a woman on January 21, and assaults on two police officers on November 26.
West Midlands Police stated: "As a result of a thorough investigation and review of all available evidence, we have also charged the 14-year-old boy with six additional assaults, none of which involved the use of a knife."
In an emotional tribute, Leo's family said: "We want everyone to know what an amazing, kind, loving boy Leo was."
"Not only has Leo's life been taken, all of our lives have as well," they added.
Leo Ross was found by Scribers Lane in Hall Green, Birmingham
INSTANT STREET VIEW
The family emphasised how deeply Leo was cherished, stating: "Leo will be truly missed by all of us. He was loved so much by everyone."
They also expressed gratitude to those involved in the investigation: "The family want to thank the school, the police and everyone involved in the investigation and supporting us all through this horrific time."
Diane Henson, executive headteacher at Christ Church, Church of England Secondary Academy in Yardley Wood, paid tribute to Leo on Wednesday.
"Leo was a lively and happy young man. He had many very good friends who he absolutely adored, and they adored him," she said.
Henson described Leo as "just a lovely and bright member of the school community."
The school is opening a book of condolence with the family's permission.
"Our thoughts are with Leo's family and all his friends today," Henson added, describing his death as a tragedy.
Leo was believed to be making his way home from school when the incident occurred.
Members of the public came to his aid after the stabbing and called emergency services.
Despite their efforts, Leo died in hospital at approximately 7.30pm on Tuesday.
The stabbing took place on a riverside path in the Hall Green area of Birmingham.
The victim was a pupil at Christ Church, Church of England Secondary Academy in Yardley Wood.
