Four youths arrested after dog walker, 80, ‘kicked to death’ released as police confirm pensioner died from neck injury
COPS have released four of the five youths arrested after a dog walker, 80, was ‘kicked to death’.
Bhim Sen Kohli tragically died in hospital after he was allegedly attacked in Franklin Park, near Leicester, at around 6.30pm on Sunday evening.
Five youths including a boy and girl aged 14, and two girls aged 12 were arrested on suspicion of murder after the horror.
A 14-year-old boy remains in police custody while cops confirmed the other four have been released “with no further action”.
It comes as a post mortem examination revealed the pensioner’s cause of death was “a neck injury”.
In an updated statement, A Leicester Police spokesperson said: “Mr Kohli, from Leicester, was taken to hospital following the incident but died yesterday (Monday 2 September) evening.
“A post-mortem examination has now been carried out and confirmed he died as a result of a neck injury, pending further tests.
“A murder investigation has since been launched and five people – a boy and a girl aged 14 and one boy and two girls aged 12 – were arrested on suspicion of murder.
“The 14-year-old boy remains in police custody. The other four have been released by police with no further action.
“Detectives are continuing to carry out enquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
“They continue to appeal for anyone who was in the area of the park or Bramble Way between 6pm and 6.45pm to come forward.”
It comes after reports the pensioner had previously made complaints to police about anti-social behaviour involving kids in the area.
But sources from the force said no action had been taken, and Leicestershire Police has referred itself to the police watchdog.
A spokesman for the Independent Office for Police Conduct said: “We can confirm that we have received a referral from Leicestershire Police in relation to this matter. We will carry out an assessment in due course to decide what further action may be required from us.”
Locals described the grandfather-of-two, as a “gentle” man who took his four-legged companion out daily.
Long-time friend and neighbour Deep Singh Kalia, 70, had known Mr Kohli for over 30 years, and said: “He was such a lovely guy. It is a horrible shock.
“I would meet up with him every day. We were both originally from the Punjab in India.
“He loved his allotment, and loved his dog, and loved his family. He used to own a factory that made jumpers and cardigans.
“I don’t know why anyone would have wanted to do something like this to him.
“He was just a very nice man who wouldn’t have done anything to provoke this.
“I have heard he got into an argument and they pushed him over and he must have broken his neck.
“He was joking all the time. I don’t know anyone who had a problem with him.
“I have been to see his wife. He was very popular and a lot of people are coming to say sorry.
“He was skinny, but very fit because he worked on his allotment all the time.”
Mr Kalia’s wife, Harjinder, 53, said: “It is just awful. Bhim wouldn’t have harmed anyone.”
It is believed Mr Kohli was seriously assaulted by a group of young people near the park entrance who then fled the scene.
The pensioner was kicked in the neck and spine and left screaming in pain, his daughter said.
A group fled before emergency services arrived and took Mr Kohli to hospital, where he died.
Cops have since arrested a boy and a girl aged 14 and one boy and two girls aged 12 on suspicion of murder.
The five children are currently being interviewed by cops probing the man’s death.
Before he died, the Mr Kohli’s daughter told the Leicester Mercury: “He had been taking the dog for a walk.
“They pushed him, they kicked him in the neck, kicked him in the spine.
“He was about 30 seconds away from getting home. He’s always been very active – he has three allotments. We’ve lived here for 40 years.”
A neighbour said: “I heard a commotion outside and he was lying in the park, screaming in pain. He said he was violently pushed over.”
Paying tribute, a friend said: “Bhim was my friend and we had our allotments next to each other.
“He lived to attend his allotment and grew amazing veg and was not threat to anyone.
“A kind and considerate man. If anyone has and information please pass it onto the police. May he rest in peace.”
BRUTAL ATTACK
Cops want to speak to anyone who was in the park or in the area of Bramble Way between 6pm and 6.45pm on Sunday evening.
They said Mr Kohli is believed to have been wearing a black jumper and grey jogging bottoms.
Leicestershire Police has referred itself to the IOPC watchdog due to “prior contact” between cops and Mr Kohli.
Detective Inspector 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.
“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.”