THE FAMILY of 12-year-old Leo Ross have paid tribute to a ‘kind, bright and talented boy’.
Leo was found with a stab wound to the stomach near Scribers Lane, Hall Green on January 21.
He was taken to hospital but sadly was pronounced dead at around 7.30pm.
Police arrested a 14-year-old from an address in Birmingham on suspicion of murder as well as three assaults in the Hall Green area, one on January 19 one on January 20 and one on January 21, shortly before Leo’s murder.
A fundraiser has now been set up by relative Ishtiaq Shah for the Daniel Baird Foundation, which campaigns for bleed control kits to be placed in locations that are easily accessible to the public.
In less than 24 hours more than £5,000 was raised in Leo’s memory.
Writing on the page Ishtiaq said: “We are all devastated with losing such a kind, bright and talented boy and although we can’t think past the recent dreadful incident, we have decided to create an official fundraiser for those that want to give their love and support.
“As we do not want the money nor be beneficiaries, we have all agreed that a worthy charity would be The Daniel Baird Foundation run by Daniel’s mother Lynne and any funds will go straight to the charity and not pass any hands.
“We are extremely grateful that you share our determination to prevent this from happening again. We desperately want Leo to come home from school, he was just minutes away from safety, but we know he never will.
“He was a big brother to our two young children, so patient and loving to them. They were/are obsessed with him and will miss him.
“If we can help deter one child from carrying a knife, if we can train one person, if we can stop one bleed and save one person from such a fatality, we will feel our little genius Leo made that happen, his death will have saved a life.
“Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.”
Floral tributes have also been left on Scribers Lane.
Simran wrote: “Leo was such a treasure we hope he is at peace and full of pleasure.”
Reegan Lee left a note saying: “Leo, taken too soon. I will never forget you! Lots of love.”
An anonymous one said: “I am so proud to have known you Leo. God bless your beautiful soul and rest easy young man.”
Leo’s headteacher, Diane Henson, at Christ Church C of E Secondary Academy in Yardley Wood described his death as a tragedy.
She 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.”
Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, said: “My thoughts are with the victim and his family. It is important that they receive all the help and support they need at this time.
“Preventing and tackling violence and knife crime is a top priority. That is because of the catastrophic and devastating consequences for victims, their families, friends and local communities.”
West Midlands Police have appealed for anyone who has any dashcam, doorbell or CCTV footage from the days leading up to January 21 is urged to get in touch or submit it directly to West Midlands Police.
Information can also be uploaded to the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) here.
Reports can also be made by calling 101 or via Live Chat on the force’s website.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
To donate to Leo’s memorial fundraiser click here.
