UK
Bhim Kohli: Grandfather assaulted in park on outskirts of Leicester – as four of five children arrested over ‘murder’ released
Four of the five children arrested on suspicion of the murder of an 80-year-old man have now been released.
The youngsters were detained following the death of Bhim Kohli, who was attacked in a park in Braunstone Town, on the outskirts of Leicester.
Mr Kohli, who was walking his dog in Franklin Park, was seriously assaulted on Sunday and died in hospital on Monday evening.
A post-mortem examination found he died due to a neck injury, pending further tests.
Leicestershire Police said on Tuesday a murder investigation had been launched and that a boy and a girl, both 14, and two girls and a boy, all aged 12, had been arrested.
The force later said the 14-year-old boy remains in police custody, while the other four have been released with no further action.
The attack happened near the entrance to Franklin Park in Bramble Way at about 6.30pm on Sunday.
Mr Kohli is believed to have been wearing a black jumper and grey jogging bottoms.
Officers at the scene in Franklin Park. Pic: PA
Pic: PA
‘A very good man’
Mr Kohli’s neighbour and friend, who gave his name as Deep, told Sky News he was a “very good man, very quiet, very jolly”.
He added: “Never had any problem, never heard anything, shouting, anything like that. Yeah, he’s a family man, he was a very nice man.
“It’s really shocking what happened. Never thought it would happen like this. This is a busy park.”
Bhim Sen Kohli’s friend and neighbour, Deep
Victim a father of three and grandfather
Deep also said Mr Kohli was originally from India and had lived in the UK for decades.
He had three children and also grandchildren. He was described as being “very fit” and used to spend a lot of time on his allotment.
The victim’s daughter told LeicestershireLive on Monday that she found him lying on the ground after hearing something outside her house.
She said her father was “seconds” from home when the attack happened.
“He was lying under the tree and at first he was complaining about his neck and now he’s not able to move his legs,” she said.
The woman – who did not give her name – said Mr Kohli had been taken to a Nottingham hospital with spinal injuries and was due to have surgery.
Braunstone Town is about 2.5 miles (4km) southwest of Leicester city centre.
Police are still working at the scene and have appealed for witnesses.
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The attack happened close to the park entrance in Bramble Way
Police appeal over ‘group of young people’
“We still need people who were in the area to come forward if they have seen anything or have any information which could assist,” said Detective Inspector Emma Matts.
“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?”
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Leicestershire force refers itself
Police said “reassurance patrols” are taking place in the area.
Due to prior contact with the victim, Leicestershire Police said it was also referring itself to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC).