Four of five children who have been arrested on suspicion of murdering an 80-year-old man, named by police as Bhim Kohli, have been released without further action. 

A murder investigation was launched after the elderly man passed away in hospital from injuries sustained during a “serious” assault in Franklin Park in Braunstone Town, Leicestershire, on Sunday evening. 

Officers arrested five people connected to the crime, a boy and a girl aged 14, and a boy and two girls aged 12, on suspicion of murder but later confirmed on Tuesday that four had been released with no further action. 

Leicestershire Police said only the 14-year-old boy remains in custody. 

Mr Kohli, a beloved member of the Leicestershire community, was walking his dog at the time of the incident and is believed to have been wearing a black jumper and grey jogging bottoms. 

Leicestershire Police said the attack happened close to the park entrance in Bramble Way, and a group of young people fled the scene before emergency services arrived. 

Mr Kohli was taken to the hospital but died on Monday evening. 

A post-mortem examination found he died because of a neck injury, pending further tests. 

Police want to speak to anyone in the park or the area of Bramble Way between 6 pm and 6:45 pm on Sunday. 

Emma Matts, Detective Inspector and 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. 

“We continue to offer support to the family through our family liaison officers, and the local policing teams are in the area to provide reassurance and discuss any issues or concerns.

“The family are aware of the significant public interest in the death of their loved one and would like to thank people for their kind words and sympathy.

“At this stage, the family is asking for privacy.

“Our investigation into the assault on Mr Kohli remains ongoing.

“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.

“I would continue to urge anyone who can assist our investigation to come forward.”

Leicestershire Police said they had voluntarily referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to prior contact with the victim, in order to ensure transparency and maintain public trust. 

Following further contact with the watchdog, the force made a mandatory referral.