Bhim Sen Kohli, 80, was walking in Kranklin Park, Braunstone Town, near Leicester when he was ‘kicked to death’ on Sunday evening.
Bhim Sen Kohli died in the brutal attack in Franklin Park (Image: Facebook)
An elderly dog walker who was reportedly “kicked to death” in a brutal park attack has been named and pictured for the first time.
80-year-old Bhim Sen Kohli was walking his dog in Franklin Park, Braunstone Town, when he was attacked.
Five children including a boy and two girls aged 12 have been arrested on suspicion of murder.
The father of three and grandad of two is believed to have been attacked at 6.30pm on Sunday close to the park entrance in Bramble Way.
The group left the scene prior to the arrival of emergency services.
Neighbour Deep Kaila told the Mirror: “I’ve known him for 35 years, we were good friends.
“His family are devastated. He was a skinny, fit man who was always at the allotment across the road from his house. He has two boys and a daughter, all grown up, and two grandsons.
“He had a factory in Leicester making jumpers and cardigans but retired many years ago. It’s tragic what happened.”
His wife was being comforted by sons Baul and Varinder and daughter Susan.
Leicestershire Police has launched a murder investigation after the elderly man died in hospital (Image: Leicestershire Live)
Det Insp Emma Matts, senior investigating officer, 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.”
She added police still need people to come forward if they were in the area around the time of the incident or have any information which could assist the investigation.
The 80-year-old is believed to have been wearing a black jumper and grey jogging bottoms.
She said: “Were you in the area of Franklin Park or Bramble Way around 6.30pm on Sunday night? Did you see the attack itself?
Police have arrested five children after a dog walker, 80, was killed in a park attack (Image: Leicestershire Live)
“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.”
Leicestershire Police said in a statement it will make a voluntary referral to the Independent Office of Police Conduct because of prior contact with the victim.
