Man charged with murder after body found in Plymouth bin

Summarised from 6 outlets · Updated 24 Oct, 20:50 · Archive

A man has been charged with murder after a body was found in a wheelie bin in Plymouth.

A body was found partially inside a wheelie bin in a service lane off Grand Parade, Plymouth, at around 6.40am on Wednesday 21 October. The victim, Ali Barzai, 52, was pronounced dead at the scene after being found with stab wounds.

Mohamed Abotaka, 36, of Grand Parade, has been charged with Barzai's murder. Abotaka is believed to be from Syria and remains in police custody. He is due to appear before Plymouth Magistrates' Court on Monday.

Police said the suspect and victim are believed to have known each other, though they are keeping an open mind as to any motive. 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.'

Barzai is believed to be of North African heritage. Enquiries are ongoing to locate his next-of-kin and to formally identify him. A large-scale investigation is continuing with a significant number of witness, CCTV, house-to-house and search enquiries taking place.

A cordon in the area has been reduced, though road closures remain in place in Eddystone Terrace and Garden Crescent. A heightened police presence will remain in the area in the coming days. Police have asked the public not to speculate or share unconfirmed information online, warning that doing so could upset the victim's family and potentially jeopardise the investigation.

How it is being reported

• Suspect believed to be from Syria is charged with murder after body of 52-year-old man was found in wheelie binMohamed Abotaka, was arrested after the body of Ali Barzai was found in a wheelie bin in West Hoe, Plymouth, at around 6.40am on Wednesday.Daily Mail · 24 Oct, 20:58
• Man charged with murder after victim found critically injured in wheelie binA body was found partly inside a wheelie bin earlier this week.Daily Express · 24 Oct, 20:42
• 'Syrian migrant' charged with murder after body discovered in wheelie bin off UK waterfrontA man, believed to be from Syria, has been charged with murder after a body was found in a wheelie bin. Mohamed Abotaka was charged after Ali Barzai, 52, was discovered partially stuffed in the bin in a service lane off Grand Parade, Plymouth Hoe. Mr Barzai, who is believed to be of North African heritage, was pronounced dead at the scene on Wednesday evening. Devon and Cornwall Police have said they are currently working to locate the victim’s next of kin. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say “A suspect is due to appear in court charged with murder, and we would urge people not to speculate on…GB News · 24 Oct, 20:12
• Man who died after being found in wheelie bin named as murder suspect chargedMohamed Abotaka, of Grand Parade, Plymouth, is accused of the murder of Ali Barzai who was found partially within a wheelie bin in a service lane off Grand Parade, Plymouth HoeThe Mirror · 24 Oct, 19:58
• Man charged with murder after body found in wheelie binA man has been charged with murder after a body was found in a wheelie bin.Sky News · 24 Oct, 18:34
• Police issue murder probe update after body found in wheelie bin in PlymouthA man was found “partially within a wheelie bin” with stab wounds at around 6.40am on Wednesday in a service lane off Grand ParadeThe Independent · 23 Oct, 19:17

In this story: Mohamed Abotaka · Ali Barzai · Plymouth · Grand Parade · Devon and Cornwall Police

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem