Four teens released after dog walker, 80, ‘kicked to death by gang’ | UK | News


Four of the five teenagers arrested after an 80-year-old dog walker was allegedly kicked to death in Franklin Park, near Leicester, have been released without charge, police confirmed today.

The elderly victim, Bhim Sen Kohli, died in hospital on Monday evening after he was reportedly assaulted by a group of youths while walking his dog on Sunday. A post-mortem examination revealed that Mr. Kohli died from a neck injury.

Five youths, including a 14-year-old boy and girl, and two girls aged 12, were initially arrested on suspicion of murder. However, Leicestershire Police announced that four of the suspects have been released with no further action, while the 14-year-old boy remains in custody.

The incident occurred around 6.30 pm on Sunday evening near the entrance to the park on Bramble Way. According to witnesses, the pensioner was attacked by a group of young people who then fled the scene.

A neighbour who witnessed the aftermath described hearing a commotion and seeing Mr. Kohli lying on the ground, screaming in pain.

“He said he was violently pushed over,” the neighbour recounted.

Long-time friend and neighbor Deep Singh Kalia, 70, expressed shock at the incident, describing Mr. Kohli as a “gentle” man who was well-loved in the community.

“He loved his allotment, loved his dog, and loved his family. I don’t know why anyone would have wanted to do something like this to him,” Mr. Kalia said.

Leicestershire Police have referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to prior contact with Mr. Kohli before his death. The IOPC confirmed that it has received the referral and will assess what further action, if any, is required.

Detective Inspector Emma Matts, the 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.

“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.”

Leave a Comment

url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url