Boy of 14 held over knife killing of lad in park also a suspect in attack on an elderly woman

THE teenager suspected of murdering 12-year-old schoolboy Leo Ross was yesterday also being held on suspicion of attacking a woman in her 80s, police said.

- By Paul Jeeves

Tragic Leo died after being stabbed in the stomach as he walked home through a park on Tuesday afternoon.

Police then arrested a 14-year-old boy on suspicion of murder. He was last night still in custody being questioned by specially trained officers.

The elderly woman was attacked two days before Leo was killed.

Police said the two incidents were unrelated but appealed for anyone any with information to come forward.

Leo's school yesterday paid tribute to the much-loved pupil.

Diane Henson, executive head-teacher at Christ Church, Church of England Secondary Academy, in Yardley Wood, Birmingham, 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.