Five youngsters arrested on suspicion of homicide after man, 80, attacked in park

Five children aged between 12 and 14 have been arrested on suspicion of murder after an 80-year-old man was battered to death in a park.

The elderly victim, Bhim Sen Kohli, was walking his dog in Franklin Park, Braunstone Town, Leicestershire, on Sunday (September 1) evening when he was attacked. He was rushed to hospital but police have confirmed he has died of his injuries.

A boy and a girl, aged 14, and two girls and a boy aged 12, have been arrested on suspicion of murder. Leicestershire Police say the man was attacked at around 6.30pm, close to the park entrance in Bramble Way.

A spokesperson said: “It is reported the victim, who was walking his dog, is believed to have been wearing a black jumper and grey jogging bottoms and was seriously assaulted by a group of young people. They left the scene prior to emergency services arriving.”

Police are urging anyone who was in the area between 6pm and 6.45pm to come forward.

Detective Inspector Emma Matts, senior investigating officer, said: “Sadly, following the death of the victim last night, this has now become a murder investigation. Officers are continuing to work at speed to establish the details of the attack and we have made a number of arrests as we continue to understand what has happened.

“We still need people who were in the area to come forward if they have seen anything or have any information which could assist. Were you in the area of Franklin Park or Bramble Way around 6.30pm on Sunday night? Did you see the attack itself?

“From the description given did you see the victim before the incident or possibly a group of young people leaving the area after?

“A scene preservation will remain in place at the park while our investigation progresses. Local officers are also in the area carrying out reassurance patrols and can speak to anyone in the local community who has concerns.”

Due to prior police contact with the victim, the force will be making a voluntary referral to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC).