Five children arrested on suspicion of murder of 80-year-old

Five children, including three aged 12, have been arrested on suspicion of murder after an 80-year-old man was killed in a “serious” attack in a park.

Leicestershire Police have launched a murder investigation after the elderly man died in hospital at around 6.30pm on Sunday evening as a result of injuries he sustained at Franklin Park in Braunstone Town, Leicestershire.

Officers have arrested five people, a boy and a girl aged 14 and a boy and two girls aged 12, on suspicion of murder.

The alleged victim, who was walking his dog, was believed to be wearing a black sweater and grey sweatpants at the time of the incident.

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

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: “Following the death of the victim last night, this is unfortunately now a murder investigation.

“Officers continue to work diligently to establish the details of the attack. We have already arrested several people as we continue to learn more about what happened.

“A forensic investigation will be set up in the park as our investigation progresses. Local officers are also in the area conducting reassurance patrols and are available to speak to anyone in the community who has concerns.”

Leicestershire Police said in a statement that it would make a voluntary referral to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) as it had previously had contact with the victim.

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