A man has been charged with murder after a body was found partly inside a wheelie bin in Plymouth, police have confirmed.
Devon and Cornwall Police said Mohamed Abotaka, 36, of Grand Parade, Plymouth, was charged with the murder of 52-year-old Ali Barzai. Officers were called by the ambulance service at around 6.40am on Wednesday, October 21, following concerns for the welfare of a man in the West Hoe area of the city.
Victim found in service lane
Barzai was found partially within a wheelie bin in a service lane off Grand Parade. He was treated by paramedics but was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said Barzai is believed to be of North African heritage, and inquiries are ongoing to locate his next-of-kin.
Abotaka, who is believed to be from Syria, remained in police custody and was due to appear in court on Monday, according to the force.
Police urge public not to speculate
Detective Inspector Chris Lithgow urged the public not to speculate on the case, particularly on social media, saying it could prejudice ongoing proceedings. He said a heightened police presence would remain in the area in the coming days.
“A suspect is due to appear in court charged with murder and we would urge people not to speculate on this case, especially on social media, and risk prejudicing these ongoing proceedings,” Lithgow said.
“A heightened police presence will remain in the area in the coming days. We understand this incident has caused concern within the local community, and I would encourage any members of the public with concerns to contact us.”
Appeal for information
Multiple cordons were in place while detectives investigated the scene near Garden Crescent. The force urged anyone with relevant information, images or footage to report it via the Major Incident Public Portal, by telephone on 101, or through the Force website, quoting reference 50282260293.
