'Amazing and loving' Leo Ross, 12, laid to rest following Birmingham stabbing
Leo Ross died after being attacked on his way home from school in January.
Last updated 5th Mar 2025
Mourners are gathering in Hall Green, Birmingham, for the funeral of a 12-year-old boy who was stabbed earlier this year.
Leo Ross was attacked on Scribers Lane whilst waking home from school on 21 January.
Following his murder, his family released a tribute. They 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.
"Leo will be truly missed by all of us. He was loved so much by everyone.
Local councillor, Tim Huxtable, will be at the funeral, after which a horse drawn carriage will take Leo's coffin from Christ Church to Robin Hood Cemetery and Crematorium.
Tim told us it will be a sombre - but special - occasion.
"I think it's a very fitting tribute to Leo, and it will bring closure to this stage," he said.
"But I hope there will be a really positive legacy that can be left in the local community."
He told us it Leo's death had had a lasting affect on local people.
"There's been a huge impact on the local community.
"The community has very much come together and tried to find a positive in what was obviously a very tragic and devastating event."
Tim said the community had expressed their love and grief in a range of ways.
"There's been an outpouring of grief, there have been community murals, flowers, and other memoribilia.
Mr Huxtable continued: "But I think the most positive lasting impact has been Leo's family - both his biological and guardian family - raising money for the Daniel Baird Foundation and the provision of bleed kits."
The Daniel Baird Foundation was set up after 26-year-old Daniel was stabbed to death in Digbeth in 2017.
It aims to raise awareness and encourage better public access to bleed control kits, which can help control a catastrophic bleed before emergency services arrive.
Tim had already been working to install more bleed kits in the area, and said his work had gained momentum following Leo's tragic death.
"We've already installed bleed kits across Hall Green in several locations. But the donations towards the Daniel Baird Foundation will mean we can provide even more bleed kits," he said.
"Not only in Hall Green but across the whole of Birmingham."
A 14-year-old boy's been charged with murder and is due in court next month to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.