AN 80-year-old dog walker who was allegedly kicked to death by a group of children in a park has been remembered as “kind and considerate”.
Five children including a boy and two girls aged 12 have been arrested over Bhim Sen Kohli’s alleged murder.
The pensioner died in hospital after he was allegedly attacked by a group in Braunstone Town near Leicester on Sunday evening.
He was reportedly walking his dog when he was attacked in Franklin Park at around 6.30pm on Sunday evening.
It is believed Mr Kohli was seriously assaulted by a group of young people near the park entrance who then fled the scene.
Mr Kohli was kicked in the neck and spine and left screaming in pain, his daughter said.
The group left the scene before emergency services arrived and took Mr Kohli to hospital, where he died.
Cops have 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.”
Neighbour Deep Singh Kalia, 70, said he had known Mr Kohli for more than 30 years.
Mr Kalia 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. He was very fit because he worked on his allotment all the time.
“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.
“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.”
Mr Kalia’s wife Harjinder, 53, said: “It is just awful. Bhim wouldn’t have harmed anyone.”
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.”
