The victim was partially found in a wheelie bin in the city
Lisa Letcher Senior Reporter
19:29, 24 Oct 2026Updated 19:32, 24 Oct 2026
Police on the scene of a murder investigation near Grande Parade road on Plymouth Hoe(Image: Matt Gilley/FPS Images)
A man has been charged with murder after a body was found in the Plymouth Hoe area earlier this week. Mohamed Abotaka, of Grand Parade, Plymouth, is now due to appear in court accused of the murder of Ali Barzai.
Mr Barzai, 52, was found partially within a wheelie bin in a service lane off Grand Parade at around 6.40am on Wednesday 21 October. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Mr Barzai is believed to be of North African heritage and enquiries are ongoing to locate his next-of-kin.
Abotaka, 36, who is believed to be from Syria, remains in police custody and is due to appear before Plymouth Magistrates’ Court on Monday 26 October.
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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.”
Any relevant information, images or footage can be reported via the Major Incident Public Portal or by telephone on 101 and the Force website, quoting reference 50260282293.”
Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers via https://orlo.uk/zD0d3 or by calling 0800 555111.