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Attacked dog owner died of neck injury while four of five arrested children were released

A dog owner who died after an attack in a park suffered a neck injury, police said.

Bhim Sen Kohli died in hospital after being seriously attacked at Franklin Park in Braunstone Town, near Leicester, on Sunday evening.

The death of an 80-year-old man who was found lying under a tree by his daughter has shocked the local community.

It also sparked a murder investigation by Leicestershire Police, in which five children – a boy and a girl aged 14, and a boy and two girls aged 12 – were arrested on suspicion of murder.

On Tuesday evening, police confirmed that four of the accused had been released without further action. Only the 14-year-old boy remains in custody.

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

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

In an interview with the Leicester Mercury, Mr Kohli’s daughter said there had been “a lot of anti-social behaviour” in the area and this has since been reported by The Telegraph that Mr Kohli had complained to the police about this incident.

The victim of the attack was locally named as Bhim Sen Kohli.
The victim of the attack was locally named as Bhim Sen Kohli. (on facebook.)

Due to previous contact with the victim, Leicestershire Police have contacted the Independent Office of Police Conduct.

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 continue to maintain an open mind about the circumstances of the incident as we work to establish what happened at the park on Sunday evening.

Officials investigate crime scene in Franklin Park
Officials investigate crime scene in Franklin Park (Jacob King/PA Wire)

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

Following news of the pensioner's death, his neighbour and long-time friend, who gave his name as Deep, told Sky News: “He's a family man, he was a very nice man.

“It's really shocking what happened. I never thought it would happen like this. This is a busy park.”

The neighbour told the media that Mr Kohli was originally from India and had been living in the UK for many years. He said he had three children and also grandchildren.

A friend described Mr Kohli as the “sweetest man”
A friend described Mr Kohli as the “sweetest man” (Jacob King/PA Wire)

Friends of Mr Kohli also expressed their appreciation on Facebook.

One described him as a “perfect gentleman who will be sorely missed.” Another said before his death: “The sweetest man. So heartbreaking. Thinking of his family and hoping he comes through this horrific attack.”

Nick Brown, leader of Braunstone Town Council, said: “I have received this terrible news this morning. Our thoughts are now with his family and friends. Our sincere condolences go out to all who knew him, on behalf of Braunstone Town Council.

“It is important to give the family the opportunity to grieve and the police the opportunity to continue their investigation. Braunstone Town has always been a strong community and this terrible event will test us all, but we must come together and support each other during this time.”

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