A 14-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of 80-year-old grandfather Bhim Kohli.

The child, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is due to appear at Leicester Youth Court on Thursday morning.

Mr Kohli was attacked while walking his dog in Franklin Park on the outskirts of the city on Sunday evening.

He was seriously injured just seconds away from his home in Braunstone Town and died later in hospital.

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Police at the scene in Franklin Park, Leicestershire. Pic: PA

After the CPS authorised the murder charge, deputy chief crown prosecutor Andrew Baxter said: “The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are now active and that the youth has a right to a fair trial.

“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

Earlier, Mr Kohli’s family described him as a “loving and caring” person.

They 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.

“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.”

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

On Tuesday four other children – a girl aged 14 and one boy and two girls aged 12 – were arrested on suspicion of murder.

They were later released without further action.

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

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