Friend of 'proper gent' brutally 'kicked to death' in Leicester park 'feels sick'
Bhim Sen Kohli died following assault in Leicester's Franklin Park
A friend has paid tribute to 80-year-old Bhim Sen Kohli, who tragically died following an alleged assault by a group of youths in Leicester's Franklin Park.
Nigel Morris described Kohli as a "proper gent" who "always had a smile" and was "just a genuinely nice guy".
The incident occurred on Sunday evening whilst Kohli was walking his dog. He suffered serious injuries and passed away in hospital the following day due to a neck injury, as confirmed by post-mortem results.
"I don't understand any of this," Morris told BBC News, his voice shaking with emotion. "I'm just sick - I feel quite sick about the whole thing."
Bhim Sen Kohli died following assault in Leicester's Franklin Park
The assault has shocked the local community and raised concerns about youth-related incidents in the area.
Leicestershire Police have made several arrests in connection with the incident. Five youngsters were initially detained: a boy and a girl, both 14, and two girls and a boy, all aged 12.
Four of the suspects have since been released without charge, while the 14-year-old boy remains in police custody.
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."
Police arrested five people - a boy and a girl aged 14 and one boy and two girls aged 12 - on suspicion of murder before releasing four of them
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Kohli was attacked just yards from his home, where he lived with his wife
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The police are appealing for witnesses who were in the area between 6pm and 6.45pm on Sunday to come forward.
"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," DI Matts added.
Leicestershire Police has taken the unusual step of referring itself to the police watchdog due to previous contact with Kohli.
Kohli was attacked just yards from his home, where he lived with his wife Satinder Kaur, 73. The couple's 1970s semi is located near the entrance to Franklin Park.
The victim's daughter revealed the extent of her father's injuries, stating: "They pushed him, they kicked him in the neck, kicked him in the spine."
She described finding her father "lying under a tree" after rushing to the park.
Kohli was known for his active lifestyle, tending to three allotments and regularly walking his 15-year-old crossbreed dog, Rocky, in the park.
The community's shock is palpable, with many expressing fears about safety in the neighbourhood, particularly for elderly residents.
Local residents have reported previous incidents involving groups of young people, including alleged harassment and vandalism.
One person, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Daily Mail: "Over the last two or three months there has been a group of youngsters, shouting and abusing Asian people."
Meanwhile local resident Frank Owen, 50, added: "It's only the last few weeks we've had this trouble with a bunch of kids. They've been playing up late at night."
The police investigation remains ongoing, with detectives urging anyone with information to come forward.