Inquest opens into man who died after park attack

An inquest into an 80-year-old man who died after being attacked in a park has opened.

Bhim Kohli died on 2 September, a day after being attacked at Franklin Park in Braunstone Town, Leicestershire, while walking his dog Rocky.

Area coroner Ivan Cartwright opened proceedings at Leicester Coroner's Court on Thursday and offered his condolences to Mr Kohli's family, who were present.

A 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with murder and is next due in court on 18 December, with a provisional trial start date set of 17 February.

Mr Cartwright told the hearing although a provisional cause of death of serious neck injuries had been given - following a post-mortem examination on 3 September - a final cause of death was yet to be determined.

The coroner said he was obliged to suspend the inquest until there was an outcome in ongoing criminal proceedings.

In a statement, previously released by police, Mr Kohli's family said: "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."

Because of prior police contact with Mr Kohli, Leicestershire Police said it had made a voluntary referral to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC), which became a mandatory referral after further contact with the watchdog.

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