Girls aged 12 among 5 children arrested over murder of dog walker, 80, ‘kicked in neck & spine’ in park attack
A BOY and two girls aged 12 are among five children arrested over the murder of an 80-year-old dog walker.
The pensioner has died in hospital after he was allegedly attacked by a group in Braunstone Town near Leicester on Sunday evening.
He was reportedly walking his dog when he was attacked in Franklin Park at around 6.30pm on Sunday evening.
It is believed he was seriously assaulted by a group of young people near the park entrance who then fled the scene.
The man was kicked in the neck and spine and left screaming in pain, his daughter said.
The group left the scene before emergency services arrived and took the man to hospital, where he died.
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Cops have arrested a boy and a girl aged 14 and one boy and two girls aged 12 on suspicion of murder.
The five children are currently being interviewed by cops probing the man's death.
Before he died, the man's daughter told the Leicester Mercury: "He had been taking the dog for a walk.
"They pushed him, they kicked him in the neck, kicked him in the spine.
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"He was about 30 seconds away from getting home. He's always been very active - he has three allotments. We've lived here for 40 years."
A neighbour said: "I heard a commotion outside and he was lying in the park, screaming in pain. He said he was violently pushed over."
Cops want to speak to anyone who was in the park or in the area of Bramble Way between 6pm and 6.45pm on Sunday evening.
They said the 80-year-old man is believed to have been wearing a black jumper and grey jogging bottoms.
Leicestershire Police has referred itself to the IOPC watchdog due to "prior contact" between cops and the victim.
Detective Inspector Emma Matts 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.
"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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"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."