An elderly man who was allegedly attacked has died following a ‘serious’ assault in a park.
Police today confirmed five schoolchildren – three as young as 12 – had been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Leicestershire Police said the youngsters, a boy and a girl aged 14 and two girls and one boy aged 12, are currently in custody being questioned.
The force today said the victim, 80, had been raced to hospital, where he later died.
Leicestershire Police said that the man died after being ‘seriously’ assaulted at 6.30pm while walking his dog at Franklin Park in Braunstone Town, Leicester, on Sunday evening.
A murder investigation was launched following his death on Monday night.
An elderly man who was allegedly attacked has died following a ‘serious’ assault in a park. Police today confirmed five schoolchildren – two girls and a boy aged 12 and a boy and a girl aged 14 – have been arrested on suspicion of murder
Police said a group of young individuals fled the scene before emergency services arrived.
Five children were taken by police into custody.
As the victim had previous contact with the police, the force has voluntarily referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Detectives have been engaging with local residents and are actively seeking witnesses who were in the park on Sunday evening to come forward.
Detective Inspector Emma Mattssaid: ‘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.
‘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.’
Police believe the man had been wearing a black jumper and grey jogging bottoms.