Five children arrested over fatal attack on 80-year-old dog walker

Police have appealed for witnesses

The man was attacked while walking his dog in Franklin Park, in Braunstone Town, at around 6:30pm on Sunday evening (September 1).

Leicestershire Police confirmed he later died in hospital.

They announced a boy and a girl, both aged 14, and another boy and two girls, all aged 12, had been arrested and were in custody following a number of enquiries.

Police said the victim had been near the Bramble Way entrance to the park when he was seriously assaulted by a group of young people. The attackers left the scene before emergency services arrived.

Police have appealed for any witnesses or anyone who was in the park on Sunday evening to come forward.

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.”

Anyone with information relating to the investigation is asked to report via the public portal.