Potential leads in Lankan's murder in UK
A Sri Lankan in UK died following a confrontation with a group of
teenagers in the east Midlands town of Leicester.
Detectives will be following up on several lines of inquiry after
stopping people in the street where the man was murdered, reports from
Leicester said.
Ponnuthurai Nimalaraja, known by family and friends as Nimal, died a
week after he was found with serious head injuries at the junction of
Gipsy Lane and Northfield Road, Leicester, at about 11.04 pm on June 9.
Police believe the 41-year-old father-of-two was killed after
confronting a group of teenagers in the street.
They think he probably died as a result of falling backwards and
hitting his head after being punched by one of the youths. A murder
investigation is underway.
Two weeks on from the attack, officers spoke to pedestrians and
motorists in the area to try to trace witnesses who have not yet come
forward. They said they hoped to get as much information about the
incident and the moments leading up to it as they can.
Police said a number of potential lines of inquiry had been
established as a result and would be followed up in the coming days and
weeks.
But they would not reveal the nature of the new information.
Detective Chief Inspector Matt Hewson said: "We still believe there
may be a number of potential witnesses out there who have not come
forward.
"If you were in the area on June 9 and have not yet come forward I
would urge you to contact us. Even if you don't think you have much
information to pass on, the slightest detail could help.
"We have also had huge support from the community. The assistance of
the community is paramount in an investigation such as this."
A family friend, speaking on behalf of Nimal's relatives, urged
anyone who has any information, to speak to police.
He said: "Whatever people know about this, they should tell the
Police."
Six boys aged 15, 13, and four aged 14, and a girl aged 14 have been
arrested as part of the murder investigation and have been released on
police bail.
Courtesy: This Is Leicestershire
|