An 80-year-old man assaulted in Franklin Park, Braunstone Town, on Sunday evening (1 September) has died in hospital.
Police have launched a murder investigation following the news of the man’s death and are continuing to appeal for anyone who was in the area to come forward.
Following a number of enquiries, officers have arrested five people – a boy and a girl aged 14 and one boy and two girls aged 12 – on suspicion of murder. They are currently being interviewed by police.
The attack happened around 6.30pm, close to the park entrance in Bramble Way.
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.
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.”
Due to prior police contact with the victim, the force will be making a voluntary referral to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC).
Anyone with information relating to the investigation is asked to report via the public portal https://mipp.police.uk/operation/33EM24I50-PO1
