Police launch murder investigation after dog walker's death in Leicester
Five children aged between 12 and 14 have been arrested
Last updated 3rd Sep 2024
An 80-year-old man has died in hospital following an assault in a Leicester park on Sunday evening, with police launching a murder investigation.
Five people have been arrested – including a boy and a girl aged 14 and one boy and two girls aged 12 – on suspicion of murder, following an incident in Franklin Park, Braunstone Town. They are currently being interviewed by police.
The attack happened at around 6.30pm on Sunday, close to the park's entrance in Bramble Way.
The victim, who was walking his dog, is believed to have been wearing a black jumper and grey jogging bottoms.
Detectives are currently working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and are speaking to residents in the area.
Leicestershire Police have issued an appeal to anyone who was in the park or in the area of Bramble Way between 6pm and 6.45pm on Sunday evening.
Detective Inspector 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.
“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.”
Leicestershire Police has said it will be making a voluntary referral to the Independent Office of Police Conduct, due to prior police contact with the victim.