For the first time, a photo has been released of a dog walker who died after a group of children allegedly attacked him and kicked him ‘in the neck and back’.
Three girls and two boys aged 12 to 14 have been arrested on suspicion of murder after Bhim Sen Kohli, 80, was “seriously” assaulted while walking his dog in Franklin Park at around 6.30pm on Sunday.
Leicestershire Police today confirmed that five children have been arrested on suspicion of murder after Mr Kohli died of his injuries last night.
The alleged attackers, who targeted Mr Kohli when he was seconds away from the safety of his home, are a boy and a girl aged 14 and two girls and a boy aged 12.
They are currently in custody and being questioned.
Mr Kohli leaves behind a heartbroken wife, three children and two grandchildren.
Bhim Sen Kohli, 80, was walking in Kranklin Park, Braunstone Town, near Leicester when he was ‘kicked to death’ on Sunday evening
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.
The alleged attack took place on Sunday evening and left Mr Kohli seriously injured before he sadly passed away last night
Police officers were photographed entering and exiting the area of the park where the alleged attack took place
He was found fighting for his life after allegedly being attacked by a group of youths, who fled before emergency services arrived.
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 and required surgery.
She told the Leicester Mercury: ‘They pushed him, they kicked him in the neck, they kicked him in the spine.
“He was about 30 seconds away from coming home. He’s always been very active – he has three allotments. We’ve lived here for 40 years.”
She described running to the park and finding her father “lying under a tree.”
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.
Neighbour Deep Kalia told the Mirror she had known Mr Kahli for 35 years, describing him as a ‘fit man’ who was regularly seen in his allotment.
She said he had two sons and a daughter, as well as two grandchildren.
Detective Constable Emma Matts said: ‘Sadly, following the death of the victim last night, this has become a murder investigation.
A police cordon remained in place on Tuesday as police announced that three children aged 12 and another two aged 14 had been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Police were still guarding the entrance to the park this morning after the horrific incident occurred
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
‘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.’