A dying man was found in a wheelie bin sparking a murder investigation in Plymouth.

Paramedics were called to concerns for the welfare of a man in the West Hoe area at 6.30am on Wednesday.

The man was found seriously injured in a service lane off Grand Parade.

He was treated by paramedics but was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene.

Pictures from the scene show a red forensics tent erected in the alleyway as the hunt begins for the killer of the unidentified victim.

His cause of death has not been revealed.

A cordon remains in place while forensic examinations and searches are conducted.

Several road closures are in place, including Grand Parade and Garden Crescent.

Police have appealed for locals to provide information over a crucial 12-hour period leading up to the discovery.

Detective Inspector Chris Lithgow said: ‘Our investigation is at an early stage but moving at a significant pace as we work to establish the circumstances surrounding this man’s death.

‘We are appealing to anyone who was in the area of Grand Parade and Garden Crescent between 6pm on Tuesday 20 October and 6.40am on Wednesday 21 October and witnessed anything suspicious to come forward.

‘We are particularly keen to hear from anyone with CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage from the area during this time.

‘There will be an ongoing police presence in the area while enquiries continue and anyone with concerns is encouraged to speak with officers at the scene.

‘We will release further information when we are able to do so but in the meantime would ask people not to speculate about what may have happened, especially on social media.’

Any relevant information, images or footage can be reported via the Major Incident Public Portal or by telephone on 101.

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