Four people arrested on suspicion of murder of 80-year-old Bhim Kohli

A murder investigation was launched after the elderly man died in hospital on Sunday evening as a result of a “serious” assault in Franklin Park in Braunstone Town, Leicestershire.

Officers arrested five people – a boy and a girl aged 14 and a boy and two girls aged 12 – on suspicion of murder, but confirmed on Tuesday that four of them had been released without further action.

Police officers at the scene in Franklin Park, Leicester (Jacob King/PA)

Leicestershire Police said only the 14-year-old boy remained in custody.

Mr Kohli, from Leicester, was walking his dog at the time of the incident and was believed to be wearing a black jumper and grey jogging bottoms.

The attack occurred near the park entrance in Bramble Way and a group of young people fled the scene before emergency services arrived, Leicestershire Police said.

Mr Kohli was admitted to hospital but died on Monday evening.

An autopsy revealed that he died as a result of a neck injury. Further investigations are pending.

Police would like to speak to anyone who was in the park or the Bramble Way area between 6pm and 6.45pm on Sunday.

Detective Inspector Emma Matts, lead investigator, said: “The circumstances of Mr Kohli’s death are extremely tragic and distressing, not only for his family and friends, but also for the wider community.

“We continue to offer support to the family through our family liaison officers and local police teams are on site to reassure them and discuss any issues or concerns.

“The family is aware of the high level of public interest in the death of their loved one and would like to thank people for their kind words and condolences.

“The family requests privacy at this extremely difficult time.

“Our investigation into the attack on Mr Kohli is ongoing.

“We remain open-minded about the circumstances of the incident as we attempt to establish what happened in the park on Sunday evening.

“I continue to urge anyone who can assist our investigation to come forward.”

Leicestershire Police said they voluntarily contacted the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to previous contact with the victim.

After further contacts with the supervisory authority, the police have now made a binding report.