Handsworth bus stabbing: Man charged with murder as family pay tribute to Leon Barrett-Hazle
A man has been charged over a knife attack on a bus which left a passenger from the Black Country dead.
Leon Barrett-Hazle, aged 36, from Smethwick, died after being stabbed on the number 11A bus in Handsworth on Monday.
Kieran Gillespie, 25, from Wellesbourne Road in Handsworth, was last night charged with his murder.
He is due at Birmingham Magistrates Court tomorrow morning.
It comes as Mr Barrett-Hazle's family paid tribute to him.
A statement said: A statement read: "Family and friends are devastated by the tragic loss of a wonderful, warm, kind, generous of heart and much-loved Leon Barrett Hazle.
"We have been robbed of the best son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, uncle and friend anyone could ever wish for. "Words cannot express the immense grief and pain we are suffering but memories of your infectious smile, happy-go-lucky style will help fill the massive void in our lives.
"You had so much life to live. No reason on earth can justify taking it away in such a manner. Rest in peace."
Detectives are continuing to appeal for people who were on the bus at the time to come forward as they try to piece together what happened on the top deck. The driver of the bus raised the alarm at 10.43pm.
Detective Inspector Warren Hines, from force CID, said: "We still need these witnesses to come forward to help us establish exactly what happened on the top deck of the 11A service on Monday evening in Rookery Road.
"The family of the victim is being kept informed of the latest development in our investigation and our thoughts remain with them."
Paramedics found the victim slumped towards the back of the bus. Anyone with information is asked to call 101 Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
