Vigil to be held for murdered Birmingham schoolboy Leo Ross
The 12-year-old was fatally stabbed as he walked home from school in Hall Green
A church vigil will be held today (26 January) in memory of a 12-year-old boy who was stabbed to death in Birmingham.
Leo Ross was walking home from school in Hall Green on Tuesday (21 January), when he was attacked near Scribers Lane, and died in hospital.
Over the last few days, dozens of bunches of flowers, photos and messages have been laid near the entrance of the Shire Country Park.
A vigil will take place at Christ Church in Yardley Wood this afternoon from 2pm, with Leo's friends, family and the local community invited to light candles and join in prayers.
An online fundraising page has also been set up to raise money for Leo's family to pay for his funeral.
Speaking about the vigil, Conservative councillor for Hall Green South, Tim Huxtable, said: "I hope it will be just the very start of the healing process.
"It is such a tragedy for Leo's friends, family and the community. We need to remember the life of Leo and what he meant to the school community and the community of Hall Green."
In a tribute released on Wednesday, Diane Henson, executive headteacher at Leo's school, 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. We're supporting the children at school and are opening a book of condolence with the family's permission.
"Our thoughts are with Leo's family and all his friends today."