A 36-year-old man has been charged with murder after a 52-year-old man was discovered partially inside a wheelie bin in a service lane in Plymouth.
Mohamed Abotaka, of Grand Parade, Plymouth, has been charged with the murder of Ali Barzai following an investigation by Devon and Cornwall Police.
Mr Barzai was found seriously injured in a service lane off Grand Parade in the West Hoe area of the city at approximately 6.40am on Wednesday 21 October 2026.
Emergency services attended, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police have confirmed that Abotaka remains in custody and is due to appear before Plymouth Magistrates’ Court on Monday 26 October.
Murder Charge Following Discovery in Service Lane
The investigation began after the ambulance service alerted police to concerns for the welfare of a man in the Grand Parade area.
Emergency responders discovered Mr Barzai partially within a wheelie bin in a service lane.
The circumstances prompted a major police response, with forensic investigators examining the scene and officers conducting enquiries throughout the surrounding neighbourhood.
An investigation was launched by detectives from Devon and Cornwall Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team.
Police subsequently arrested a man in his 30s on suspicion of murder.
Following further enquiries, officers announced on Saturday 24 October that Mohamed Abotaka had been charged.
Victim Named as Ali Barzai, Aged 52
Police have identified the deceased man as 52-year-old Ali Barzai.
Officers are continuing efforts to locate his next of kin.
Earlier police updates revealed that the victim had suffered stab wounds, although the full circumstances surrounding his death remain the subject of criminal proceedings.
Detectives have been reviewing CCTV, speaking to potential witnesses and examining evidence recovered from the area.
Police have not publicly established a motive.
Suspect Due Before Plymouth Magistrates’ Court
Abotaka, 36, of Grand Parade, Plymouth, is scheduled to appear before Plymouth Magistrates’ Court on Monday 26 October.
He has been charged with murder and remains in police custody pending his court appearance.
The allegation has not been proved in court, and Abotaka is presumed innocent unless convicted.
Detective Warns Against Speculation
Detective Inspector Chris Lithgow, who is involved in leading the investigation, urged members of the public to avoid speculation while the criminal proceedings are ongoing.
He 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.”
The detective confirmed that officers would remain visible in the local area over the coming days.
He added:
“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.”
Police Presence to Continue in West Hoe
Residents around Grand Parade and nearby streets have seen a substantial police pres
