Plymouth murder charge after man found in wheelie bin in West Hoe

Mohamed Abotaka, 36, has been charged with the murder of Ali Barzai, 52, whose body was found partly inside a wheelie bin in Plymouth.

Plymouth man charged with murder after body discovered in wheelie bin

A 36-year-old Plymouth man has been charged with murder after a body was found partially inside a wheelie bin in the city's West Hoe area, Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed.

According to the Daily Express, officers were alerted by the ambulance service at around 6.40am on Wednesday 21 October, following concerns for the welfare of a man in the area. Ali Barzai, 52, was discovered in a service lane off Grand Parade; paramedics attended but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mohamed Abotaka, of Grand Parade, Plymouth, who is believed to be from Syria, was charged with Barzai's murder and was due to appear in court on Monday. Abotaka remained in police custody at the time of the report.

Detective Inspector Chris Lithgow urged the public to refrain from speculation. "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.

He confirmed that a heightened police presence would remain in the West Hoe 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," he added.

Barzai is believed to be of North African heritage. Devon and Cornwall Police said inquiries to locate his next-of-kin were ongoing.

Anyone with relevant information, images or footage is asked to report via the Major Incident Public Portal or by telephone on 101, quoting reference 50260282293.

Source: Daily Express