DOG WALKER, 80 'KILLED BY CHILD IN PARK CLASH'

A GRANDFATHER killed in an attack in a park had complained to the police about anti-social behaviour by youths.

- Paul Jeeves

Bhim Sen Kohli, 80, below, was walking his dog near Leicester when it is claimed he was pushed to the ground and kicked in the neck. He died in hospital the next day.

A boy and a girl of 14 and a boy and two girls aged 12 were initially arrested on suspicion of murder. Four were released with no further action last night. But the 14-year-old boy remained in custody.

Retired factory owner Mr Kohli had contacted police about loutish behaviour around Franklin Park in Braunstone Town but no action had been taken subsequently, according to police sources.

His devastated daughter said he had been due to have surgery for severe neck and spinal injuries that he had suffered around 6.30pm on Sunday, but he lost his fight for life on Monday night.

Leicestershire Police said that a post-mortem examination showed that Mr Kohli died as a result of a neck injury. Further tests are said to be pending. He was reportedly just seconds away from the safety of his home when he was injured after encountering youths close to the entrance to the park.

Police are investigating if the attack was racially motivated, as it emerged that another man of Asian heritage had been the victim of abuse in recent days. The force has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct watchdog after revealing theat there had been "prior contact" between officers and Mr Kohli.