Boy, 14, charged with murder of dog walker after attack in Leicestershire park

A 14-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of 80-year-old grandfather Bhim Kohli, who was attacked while walking his dog in a Leicestershire park.

A murder investigation has been launched after Bhim Kohli died from serious injuries near the entrance to Franklin Park in Braunstone Town, Leicestershire, just seconds from his home on Sunday evening.

Leicestershire Police said a post-mortem examination revealed the cause of death was a neck injury, which requires further investigation.

The Crown Prosecution Service said it had reviewed evidence from Leicestershire Police and approved a charge of murder. The 14-year-old will appear at Leicester Youth Court on Thursday.

Mr Kohli was walking his dog Rocky in the park. He is believed to have been wearing a black jumper and grey tracksuit bottoms at the time of the attack.

Five children – a boy and a girl aged 14 and a boy and two girls aged 12 – were arrested on suspicion of murder but four were released without further action, while the 14-year-old boy remained in custody.

The retiree’s family said: “Bhim was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was also a son, brother and uncle.

“He adored his grandchildren with all his heart and loved spending time with them. He truly was such a loving, caring person whose life revolved around his family.”

They added: “One of his greatest passions was his allotment garden, which he walked every day to tend to and took great pride in. He also enjoyed walking the family dog, Rocky, in the park several times a day.

“Bhim loved to laugh. He was always very happy and talkative, the joker in the family and always liked to outsmart us with his smile.

“Our family had lived in the same house in Braunstone for 40 years so he was very well known in our community – we were overwhelmed by the messages and support from so many people who knew him.

“Our hearts have been completely broken. We are now coming together as a family to try and support each other during this most difficult time possible and we ask for privacy while we do so.”

Andrew Baxter, CPS Deputy Chief Prosecutor, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has reviewed the evidence from Leicestershire Police and has approved the charging of murder against a 14-year-old boy in connection with the death of Bhim Sen Kohli.

“The Crown Prosecution Service would like to remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are currently ongoing and that the young man is entitled to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there are no reports, comments or online sharing of information which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”