An 80-year-old individual who walked dogs tragically passed away following an alleged attack by ‘a group of adolescents’ in a park located in Leicestershire.
Five minors — three aged 12 and two aged 14 — have been taken into custody on suspicion of his murder on Sunday evening.
The victim was walking his dog close to the entrance of Franklin Park on Bramble Way in Braunstone Town when he endured a ‘serious’ assault around 6:30 PM.
He passed away in hospital last night.
A ‘group of young people’ suspected of the assault fled the scene before the arrival of emergency services, according to law enforcement.
Investigators apprehended a boy and a girl, both aged 14, along with one boy and three girls, aged 12, who have since been detained.
Detective Inspector Emma Matts stated: ‘Regrettably, following the victim’s death last night, this has now transitioned into a murder inquiry.
‘Detectives are diligently working to uncover the specifics of the assault, and we have executed several arrests as we strive to comprehend the events that transpired.
‘We still require individuals who were present in the vicinity to come forward should they have witnessed anything or possess any information that could aid our investigation.
‘Were you in the Franklin Park or Bramble Way area around 6:30 PM Sunday night? Did you observe the attack itself?
‘Based on the descriptions provided, did you see the victim before the incident or possibly a group of youths departing the area afterwards?
‘A crime scene preservation will remain established at the park as our investigation advances.
‘Local officers are also patrolling to reassure the community and are available to speak with anyone with concerns.’
The alleged victim reportedly wore a black sweatshirt and grey sweatpants at the time of the incident.
Leicestershire Police indicated that they will voluntarily refer the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to prior interactions with the victim.
