Police given more time to question boy, 14, over Birmingham schoolboy murder

Police have been given more time to question a teenage boy arrested in connection with the murder of 12-year-old Leo Ross in Birmingham.

The 14-year-old boy was arrested on Tuesday night (21 January) and remains in custody.

Leo was stabbed to death as he walked home from school in Hall Green on Tuesday afternoon. He died later in hospital.

Police are also investigating three assaults in the Hall Green area, one on 19 January one on 20 January and one on 21 January, shortly before Leo’s murder, which happened at around 3.15pm.

The victims of the assaults are aged in their 70s and 80s and officers are asking for any information to help their investigation.

The suspect was initially arrested on suspicion of the January 19 assault and then while in custody, he was arrested on suspicion of murder and then later the two further assaults.

Chief Superintendent Richard North said: "I would ask the public and the media not to speculate on the motive of this incident, the investigation is in the early stages and we have someone in custody.

"I would urge anyone who saw what happened, or who has CCTV, mobile phone or dashcam footage from the area at the time to get in touch with us as soon as possible to help us build as clear a picture as possible.

"We continue to work day in day out, with parents, schools, carers and other partners to educate young people on knife crime and its devastating consequences.

"This work must and will continue. Today, our focus is on the family of the young boy who has lost his life in such a tragic way, and ensuring we get justice for him and his family."

Hear the latest news on Downtown on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.