Bhim Kohli: Police name elderly man, 80, killed in brutal park attack as child held over murder

Bhim Kohli was brutally assaulted while walking his dog in Franklin Park in the Braunstone Town area of Leicester, at around 6.30pm on Sunday, September 1. The elderly man was attacked near to the park’s entrance on Bramble Way.

Police launched a murder investigation following his death, with detectives believing that a group of youth involved in an altercation with Mr Kohli had fled the scene before emergency services arrived. The victim was taken to hospital for treatment but succumbed to his injuries on Monday (September 2).

Leicestershire Police have now confirmed that a post-mortem examination determined that Mr Kohli died as a result of a neck injury. Five children, including two 14-year-olds and three 12-year-olds, were all arrested in connection with the death of the 80-year-old yesterday, but now it has been confirmed that all but one have been released from custody with no further action.

A 14-year-old boy remains in custody. He is being questioned by police on suspicion of murder.

It comes as The Mirror reports that Mr Kohli had previously reported anti-social behaviour by youths to police. The outlet said that he had reported a group of young people to authorities after plaguing his neighbourhood, including throwing rocks and spitting at him after he told them off for climbing on a garage roof.

Graham Haldane, a friend of Mr Kohli’s, said that it took police three days to respond to his report, adding that he was a “frail guy and wasn’t a threat to anyone”. The force previously said that it had referred itself to the police watchdog over prior contact with the victim.

Detective Inspector Emma Matts, senior investigating officer, said: “The circumstances surrounding Mr Kohli’s death are extremely tragic and upsetting not only for his family and friends but also the wider community.

“We continue to offer support to the family through our family liaison officers and the local policing teams are in the area to provide reassurance and discuss any issues or concerns. The family are aware of the significant public and interest in the death of their loved one and would like to thank people for their kind words and sympathy. At this stage the family are asking for privacy at this extremely difficult time.

“Our investigation into the assault on Mr Kohli remains ongoing. We continue to keep an open mind around the circumstances surrounding the incident as we work to establish what occurred in the park on Sunday evening. I would continue to urge anyone who can assist our investigation to come forward.”

Anyone with any information concerning the assault has been advised to provide this to police via the online public portal on Leicestershire Police’s website.