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Minors Detained in 80-Year-Old's Death

by DD Staff

September 03, 2024

Police say the man was attacked on Sunday evening

key takeaways

After an 80-year-old man was attacked in a park, five minors have been detained on suspicion of murder.

After being attacked on Sunday night while walking his dog in Franklin Park in Braunstone Town, Leicestershire, Bhim Kohli passed away in the hospital.

According to Leicestershire Police, two girls and a boy, both fourteen, as well as two additional girls and a boy, twelve, were being held.

Officers have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

A neighbour of the victim, Deep Singh Kaila, 70, described the incident as "shocking".

He added: "He was a very nice guy. He was always there, working in the allotment. Everyone knows him."

Nick Brown, leader of Braunstone Town Council, said: "Everyone’s shocked by these events. It’s stunned the community.

"We’re trying to pull together to listen to what people have to got to say and support the family and friends.

"It’s a close knit community."

Police said the man had been near the park's Bramble Way entrance at about 18:30 BST when he was seriously assaulted by a group of young people who left the scene before emergency services arrived.

Five children were detained following inquiries, the force said.

Due to prior police contact with the victim, the force will be making a voluntary referral to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC), it added.

Detectives have been speaking to residents in the area and have appealed for anyone who was in the park on Sunday evening to come forward.

Det Insp Emma Matts 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 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.”

Officers have said they are particularly keen to speak to anyone who saw the victim before the assault or a group of young people leaving the area.