Vigil for 80-year-old victim of attack in park

A vigil is to be held in memory of an 80-year-old man who was killed in an attack in a Leicestershire park.

Bhim Kohli was walking his dog Rocky in Franklin Park in Braunstone Town on Sunday evening when he was attacked. He later died in hospital.

A 14-year-old boy was charged with murder and appeared in court on Thursday.

The vigil will take place on Friday at 19:00 BST in the Memorial Garden at Braunstone Civic Centre on Welcome Avenue.

Mr Kohli died in hospital as a result of the attack, which occurred near the Bramble Way entrance to the park at around 6.30pm BST on Sunday.

An autopsy revealed that he had died of a neck injury.

In a statement, his family described him as a “loving husband, father and grandfather.”

“Bhim loved to laugh,” they said.

Nick Brown, leader of Braunstone Town Council, said the attack had left the community “stunned”.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is next due to appear at Leicester Crown Court on October 11 for a plea and trial preparation hearing. A provisional trial date has been set for February 17.

Meanwhile, Leicestershire Police have again appealed for witnesses and information.

Police Commissioner Rob Nixon said: “Local officers are still at the scene seeking information both about the incident itself and the events that may have led to this incident.”

“We are well aware that this has had a major impact on the local community.”

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