A man in his 30s has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man was discovered partially inside a wheelie bin in a service lane in Plymouth.
Detectives from Devon and Cornwall Police have launched a murder investigation following the grim discovery in the West Hoe area of the city on Wednesday morning (21 October).
Emergency services were called to a service lane off Grand Parade at approximately 6.40am after the ambulance service raised concerns for the welfare of a man.
Officers attending the scene discovered the man partially inside a wheeled bin. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following extensive enquiries, police arrested a man in his 30s on suspicion of murder. He remained in police custody at the time of the force’s latest statement on Thursday (22 October).
The victim has not yet been formally identified.
Forensic Teams Examine Scene as Roads Remain Closed
A significant police operation remains underway around Grand Parade and Garden Crescent, with forensic specialists carrying out detailed examinations and searches.
Detectives are reviewing CCTV footage and conducting house-to-house enquiries as they attempt to piece together the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.
Several roads remain closed while officers continue their investigation.
Police have warned residents to expect an increased police presence in the West Hoe area over the coming days.
Detective Issues Appeal for Information
Detective Inspector Chris Lithgow, who is involved in the investigation, said:
“The investigation is still an early stage with officers conducting house-to-house and CCTV enquiries. A cordon remains in place while forensic examinations and searches are conducted. Several road closures remain in place, including in Grand Parade and Garden Crescent.
“Increased police activity will be seen in the local area over the coming days to provide reassurance within the community.”
Police Warn Against Sharing Speculation and Footage
Devon and Cornwall Police have urged members of the public not to speculate about the death or circulate footage on social media.
Officers warned that sharing unverified material could cause additional distress to the victim’s family and potentially jeopardise the ongoing criminal investigation.
Police are appealing to anyone with information, photographs, CCTV or other footage that could assist detectives to come forward.
Information can be submitted through the Major Incident Public Portal, via the Devon and Cornwall Police website or by calling 101, quoting reference 50260282293.
Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police have not disclosed the identity of the arrested man or the deceased.
Further updates will follow as new information is confirmed.
