Boy, 14, charged with murder of 80-year-old man while walking dog in Leicester Park
Police community support officers at the scene in Franklin Park, Leicester
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A 14-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of an 80-year-old man in Leicestershire.
Bhim Kohli was attacked while walking his dog in a park in Leicestershire on Sunday.
A post-mortem examination found the grandfather died as a result of a neck injury pending further tests, Leicestershire Police said.
Now, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has confirmed they have authorised a charge of murder against a 14-year-old boy.
Police officers at the scene in Franklin Park, Leicester,
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Family handout photo issued by Leicestershire Police of Bhim Kohli
PA/Handout
Police officers at the scene in Franklin Park, Leicester
PA
Police community support officers at the scene in Franklin Park, Leicester
PA
Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS Andrew Baxter said: "The Crown Prosecution Service has reviewed a file of evidence from Leicestershire Police and has authorised a charge of murder against a 14-year-old boy in relation to the death of Bhim Sen Kohli.
"The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are now active and that the youth has a right to a fair trial.
"It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."
Kohli was walking his dog Rocky through the park and is believed to have been wearing a black jumper and grey jogging bottoms at the time of the attack.
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Police officers at the scene in Franklin Park, Leicester
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The pensioner’s family said: "Bhim was a loving husband, dad and grandad. He was also a son, brother and uncle. He adored his grandkids with all his heart and loved spending time with them. He really was such a loving, caring person whose life was centred around his family.
"He has always been a very hardworking man and even at the age of 80 he was still very active. One of his great passions was his allotment, he would go every day to tend to his plots and was so proud of them. He also enjoyed walking the family dog Rocky on the park many times a day.
"Bhim loved to laugh. He was always very happy and talkative, the joker of the family and always loved to outsmart us with a smile. Our family have lived in the same house in Braunstone for 40 years, so he was very well-known in the community – we have been overwhelmed by the messages and support from many who knew him.
"Our hearts have been completely broken. We are now pulling together as a family to try and support each other through the most difficult time imaginable and would ask for privacy while we do this."
A police officer at the scene in Franklin Park, Leicester,
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Leicestershire Police said they had made a voluntary referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to prior contact with the victim.
Following further contact with the watchdog, the force has now made a mandatory referral.