A 14-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of a Birmingham schoolboy and six counts of assault, West Midlands Police said.
Leo Ross, 12, suffered fatal injuries after he was stabbed in the stomach while on a riverside path in the Hall Green area of the city on Tuesday.
Read more: 12-year-old victim named after fatal stabbing
In a statement issued on Saturday, police said the 14-year-old – who cannot be named because of his age – was also charged with possession of a bladed article.
The teenager will appear at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
In a tribute, Leo’s family described him as an “amazing, kind, loving boy”.
The statement said: “Not only has Leo’s life been taken, all of our lives have as well.
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“Leo will be truly missed by all of us. He was loved so much by everyone.
“The family want to thank the school, the police and everyone involved in the investigation and supporting us all through this horrific time.”
Diane Henson, executive headteacher at Leo’s school, described his death as a tragedy.
“Leo was a lively and happy young man. He had many very good friends who he absolutely adored, and they adored him,” she said in a statement.
“He was just a lovely and bright member of the school community.”
The school opened a book of condolence with the permission of Leo’s family.
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