A friend of the 80-year-old grandfather who was tragically “kicked to death” just moments from his home has expressed his deep sorrow and shock over the incident. Describing the victim as a “proper gent,” the friend shared that the news of the violent attack has left him feeling “sick.” He paid tribute to the grandfather, highlighting the profound loss felt by those who knew him.
A friend of the late Bhim Sen Kohli, an 80-year-old man who tragically passed away after allegedly being “kicked in the neck and back” by a group of youths, has expressed his deep sorrow and distress over the incident. Nigel Morris, reflecting on the loss, shared his grief, stating that the news makes him feel “sick.” He paid tribute to Mr. Kohli, describing him as a “genuinely nice guy” who “always had a smile” and was a “proper gent.” Mr. Kohli was reportedly assaulted while walking his dog in Franklin Park, Braunstone Town, Leicester, on Sunday.
Nigel Morris, a friend of the late Bhim Sen Kohli, expressed his disbelief and distress, saying, “I don’t understand any of this. He was a proper gent. I’m just sick – I feel quite sick about the whole thing.” Mr. Kohli succumbed to his injuries in the hospital on Tuesday night, following an attack just moments away from the safety of his home. Leicester Police confirmed that Mr. Kohli “died of a neck injury, pending further tests.” The police further reported that five children—two boys and three girls, aged between 12 and 14—were arrested on suspicion of murder, though only the 14-year-old boy remains in custody. Additionally, Leicester Police has referred itself to the police watchdog due to prior interactions with Mr. Kohli.
Detectives are actively continuing their inquiries to determine the full circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Bhim Sen Kohli and are appealing for anyone who was in the area between 6:00 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. to come forward with information.
Detective Inspector Emma Matts, the senior investigating officer, emphasized the deeply upsetting nature of Mr. Kohli’s death, not only for his family and friends but also for the wider community. She stated, “The circumstances surrounding Mr. Kohli’s death are extremely tragic and upsetting. We continue to offer support to the family through our family liaison officers, and local policing teams are in the area to provide reassurance and discuss any issues or concerns.” She also noted that the family, while appreciative of the public’s kind words and sympathy, is requesting privacy during this difficult time.
The investigation remains ongoing, with detectives keeping an open mind as they work to piece together the events that transpired in the park that evening. The police have lifted the scene preservation in the park where the incident occurred.
Mr. Kohli’s daughter revealed that her father had sustained neck and spine injuries as a result of the attack, describing how he was attacked just 30 seconds from reaching his home. She recounted finding her father lying under a tree in the park.
Residents in the area have reported recent issues with groups of youths engaging in abusive behavior towards Asian residents. Some neighbors mentioned that these children had previously thrown large rocks at Mr. Kohli and caused disturbances in the neighborhood. Concerns have been raised about the safety of the area, with some residents now feeling unsafe in the park.
The police have urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward.
One resident shared that Mr. Kohli had likely been harassed by teenagers before, mentioning, “I think he had been harassed before by teenagers. I don’t know him really, but I saw him around. That afternoon I did see three lads and two teenage girls walking around laughing. I know someone said kids had been throwing stones at him.”
Another neighbor, Harjinder Kalia, 53, who had lived in the area for 35 years, described Mr. Kohli as a kind and jovial person who was friendly with everyone. She expressed disbelief at the incident, saying, “There is no reason why anyone would do this. Sometimes children would fight with each other in the park.”
Mr. Kohli, a retired factory owner, leaves behind a grieving wife, three children, and two grandchildren. His daughter recounted that her father had suffered neck and spine injuries in the attack and was scheduled for surgery before he passed away. She described the heartbreaking moment when she found her father lying under a tree in the park, just 30 seconds away from reaching home.
Long-time friend and neighbor, Deep Singh Kalia, 70, expressed his sorrow, saying, “He was such a lovely guy. It is a horrible shock. I would meet up with him every day. We were both originally from the Punjab in India.” Mr. Kalia noted Mr. Kohli’s love for his allotment, dog, and family, and mentioned that he once owned a factory that produced jumpers and cardigans.
Another friend, Graham Haldane, 55, revealed that Mr. Kohli had become increasingly frail, suffering from osteoporosis that restricted his movement. He shared that Mr. Kohli had previously encountered trouble with local youths who had abused and spat at him when he challenged them for climbing onto a garage roof. Despite reporting the incident, it took police three days to take his statement.
Detectives continue to work closely with local residents and are appealing for witnesses who were in the park on Sunday evening to come forward. Detective Inspector Emma Matts confirmed that the investigation has now escalated to a murder inquiry following Mr. Kohli’s death. She stated, “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.” The park remains under scene preservation, and local officers are conducting reassurance patrols, available to speak with concerned community members.
Leicestershire Police provided an update regarding the tragic incident in Braunstone Town, stating:
“At approximately 18:30 on Sunday, 1st September 2024, an 80-year-old man was assaulted near the Franklin Park entrance on Bramble Way, Braunstone Town, and later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.
The victim, who was walking his dog at the time, is believed to have been wearing a black jumper and grey jogging bottoms when he was seriously assaulted by a group of young people. The assailants fled the scene before emergency services arrived.
Leicestershire Police have initiated a murder investigation and have arrested five individuals—a boy and a girl aged 14, and one boy and two girls aged 12—on suspicion of murder. These individuals are currently being interviewed by the authorities.
Detectives are diligently working to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the incident and are actively engaging with local residents to gather as much information as possible. They are also seeking to speak with anyone who was in the vicinity of Franklin Park or Bramble Way between 18:00 and 18:45 on the day of the incident.
If you were in the area during this time, witnessed the attack, or saw the victim or a group of young people leaving the area, your information could be crucial. Additionally, if you possess any relevant digital photos, videos, CCTV, or footage from dash cams or doorbell cameras, please submit them via the provided portal form.”
The police continue to appeal for witnesses and evidence as they investigate this devastating event.
