Mohamed Abotaka charged with murder after man found partially inside wheelie bin in Plymouth
A 36-year-old man has been charged with murder following the discovery of a man’s body partially inside a wheelie bin in a service lane off Grand Parade, West Hoe.
Mohamed Abotaka, of Grand Parade, Plymouth, has been charged with the murder of 52-year-old Ali Barzai.
Mr Barzai was discovered at around 6.40am on Wednesday, 21 October, and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police say Mr Barzai is believed to be of North African heritage, and enquiries are continuing to locate his next of kin.
Abotaka, who police believe is from Syria, remains in custody and is due to appear before Plymouth Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 26 October.
Detective Inspector Chris Lithgow said: “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.
“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.”
The murder investigation has involved extensive forensic examinations, CCTV enquiries and house-to-house searches in the West Hoe area.
Anyone with information, photographs or footage that could assist detectives is asked to contact Devon and Cornwall Police on 101, quoting reference 50260282293.
Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Photographs © Wayne Perry / Plymouth Post