Authorities have dropped two of six assault charges against a 14-year-old boy accused of murdering 12-year-old Leo Ross in a stabbing in Birmingham earlier this month.

The teenager, who cannot be named, still faces four other counts of assault as well as murder and possessing a bladed article

The trial is expected to last five weeks and to be heard by a High Court judge at Coventry. | ITV News Central

Leo Ross died in hospital after he was found with stab wounds to the stomach near Scribers Lane in Hall Green on Tuesday last week. The accused, who cannot be named because of his age, appeared before Birmingham Crown Court earlier via video link from youth detention accommodation.

A 14-year-old-boy has been remanded in custody after appearing at Birmingham Magistrates Court charged with the murder of schoolboy Leo Ross. The teenager, who cannot be named because of his age, will appear at Birmingham Crown Court tomorrow.