The family of an 80-year-old grandfather who was killed in a park assault have described him as a “loving and caring” person.

A murder investigation was launched when Bhim Kohli died after being seriously injured near the entrance of Franklin Park in Braunstone Town, on the outskirts of Leicester.

Mr Kohli, who was walking his dog in the park, was attacked on Sunday evening and died in hospital on Monday evening.

Five children – a boy and a girl aged 14 and one boy and two girls aged 12 – were arrested on suspicion of murder.

Four have since been released without further action while the 14-year-old boy remains in custody.

A post-mortem examination found Mr Kohli died as a result of a neck injury pending further tests, Leicestershire Police said.

The pensioner’s family said in a statement released through the force: “Bhim was a loving husband, dad and grandad. He was also a son, brother and uncle.

“He adored his grandkids with all his heart and loved spending time with them. He really was such a loving, caring person whose life was centred around his family.

“He has always been a very hardworking man and even at the age of 80 he was still very active.

“One of his great passions was his allotment, he would go every day to tend to his plots and was so proud of them. He also enjoyed walking the family dog Rocky on the park many times a day.

“Bhim loved to laugh. He was always very happy and talkative, the joker of the family and always loved to outsmart us with a smile.”

They added: “Our family have lived in the same house in Braunstone for 40 years, so he was very well known in the community – we have been overwhelmed by the messages and support from many who knew him.

“Our hearts have been completely broken. We are now pulling together as a family to try and support each other through the most difficult time imaginable and would ask for privacy while we do this.”

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Leicestershire Police referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to prior contact with the victim.

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