Girls and boy, 12, among FIVE children arrested for murdering man, 80, as he walked dog

Five children aged between 12 and 14 have been arrested on suspicion of murder after an elderly man was attacked while walking his dog.

The victim, aged 80, tragically died of his injuries after being attacked in Franklin Park, Leicestershire, on Sunday evening (September 1).

Officers were called to the incident at around 6.30pm. It is reported the victim, who was walking his dog, was seriously assaulted by a group of young people. They left the scene prior to emergency services arriving.

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A murder investigation has now been launched. Police have arrested five young people on suspicion of murder - two 12-year-old girls, one 12-year-old boy, a 14-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy. They are currently being interviewed by police.

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