Five children have been arrested in connection with the murder of an 80-year-old man in Leicestershire
Three girls and two boys held on suspicion of murder after alleged serious assault in Braunstone Town park
Detectives have arrested five children on suspicion of murder – including three 12-year-olds – after the death an 80-year-old man who was allegedly attacked while walking his dog on Sunday evening.
Leicestershire police say the pensioner was allegedly attacked at about 6.30pm in Franklin Park, Braunstone Town.
The victim died in hospital on Monday night, police said, and they believe he was attacked by a group of youngsters who then fled the scene. After inquiries, detectives made the decision on Tuesday to arrest the five children – a boy and two girls, all of them 12 years old; and a boy and girl, both 14.
The children were in custody and being interviewed by detectives under criminal caution, they added.
In a statement, police said: “It is reported the victim, who was walking his dog, is believed to have been wearing a black jumper and grey jogging bottoms, was seriously assaulted by a group of young people. They left the scene prior to emergency services arriving.
“Detectives are currently working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and are speaking to residents in the area to gather as much information as possible.
“As part of enquiries, they are wanting to speak to anyone who was in the park or in the area of Bramble Way between 6pm and 6.45pm on Sunday evening.”
Leicestershire police revealed that the victim had previously been in contact with them, but gave no details as to why.
They added they would be making a voluntary referral to the Independent Office of Police Conduct. Police continued to appeal for any witnesses to come forward.
Det Insp Emma Matts, who is leading the murder investigation, 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?”
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