An elderly man has tragically died in hospital after being attacked by a group of schoolchildren while walking his dog in the park.
Leicestershire Police today confirmed that five children, three of whom were just 12 years old, have been arrested on suspicion of murder after the 80-year-old man died of his injuries last night.
The alleged attackers, a 14-year-old boy and girl and two 12-year-old girls and a boy, are currently in custody and being questioned.
The victim was rushed to hospital after Sunday’s ‘attack’ at Franklin Park in Braunstone Town, Leicester.
Officers said he was “seriously” assaulted at 6:30 p.m. while walking his dog at his local spot.
An elderly man has tragically died in hospital after a group of schoolchildren allegedly attacked him while he was walking his dog in Franklin Park in Braunstone Town, Leicester
Leicestershire Police today confirmed that five children, three of whom were just 12 years old, have been arrested on suspicion of murder after an 80-year-old man died of his injuries last night.
He was found fighting for his life after allegedly being attacked by a group of youths, who fled before emergency services arrived.
A 14-year-old schoolgirl was arrested on Monday.
Police said today they have launched a murder investigation after the man died in the hours that followed, and confirmed that more schoolchildren have been arrested.
They are now asking witnesses to come forward.
The victim’s daughter said yesterday that her father suffered neck and spinal injuries in the attack.
Because the victim had previously contacted the police, the police have now also voluntarily referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Detectives have been working with local residents and are actively looking for witnesses who would like to come forward in the park on Sunday evening.
Detective Constable Emma Matts said: ‘Sadly, following the death of the victim last night, this has become a murder investigation.
‘Officers are still working hard to establish the details of the attack. We have made a number of arrests as we continue to try to understand what happened.
‘A scene control will remain in the park while our investigation continues. Local officers are also in the area conducting reassuring patrols and can speak to anyone in the local community who may have concerns.’
Police suspect the man was wearing a black sweater and gray sweatpants.
Leicestershire Police said in a statement today: ‘At 6.30pm on Sunday 1 September 2024, an 80-year-old man was attacked near the entrance to Franklin Park, Bramble Way, Braunstone Town, and later died in hospital.
‘It is reported that the victim, who was walking his dog, was believed to be wearing a black jumper and grey sweatpants and was seriously attacked by a group of youths. They left the scene of the crime before emergency services arrived.
‘Leicestershire Police have launched a murder investigation and have arrested five people – a boy and a girl aged 14 and a boy and two girls aged 12 – on suspicion of murder. They are currently being questioned by police.
‘Detectives are currently working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and are speaking to residents in the area to gather as much information as possible. They also want to speak to anyone who was in the park or the surrounding area.
‘Were you in the vicinity of Franklin Park or Bramble Way between 6:00 and 6:45 pm on Sunday 1 September 2024? Did you witness the attack yourself? Based on the description given, did you see the victim prior to the incident or possibly a group of youths leaving the area afterwards?
‘If you have any information and any relevant digital photographs, videos, CCTV or dashcam/doorbell camera footage, you can submit it via the portal form.’