West Midlands Police have launched a murder investigation after a man’s body was discovered inside a wheelie bin at a Coventry park, with officers now appealing to the public to help identify the victim through his tattoos.
The body was found by a member of the public at Cash’s Park, off Daimler Road, at around 5pm on Friday. The bin, a green-lidded Coventry City Council model, had been brought to the park under circumstances that remain unclear.
Detectives believe the man, estimated to be between 40 and 50 years old, may have been struck by a vehicle before his body was moved to the location. No formal identification has yet been made.
In a bid to establish who the victim is, police have released detailed descriptions of two tattoos found on his body. On his back, the man had a tattoo of a cross with a snake wrapped around it, alongside the words “Little Stardust.” On his right arm was a tattoo reading “nan,” accompanied by a clover and the colours of the Irish flag.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Poole, who is leading the investigation, said the tattoos were “quite distinctive” and urged anyone who recognises the descriptions to contact officers immediately.
DCI Poole also called on members of the public to report any vehicles showing unexplained damage, particularly those belonging to a partner or relative, as well as anyone who has noticed a sudden change in behaviour from someone they know.
“If you know or are responsible for what happened to this man, I would urge you to come forward now so that we can get the answers that he deserves,” he added.
Enquiries are ongoing with Coventry City Council to trace the origin of the bin and establish where it was collected from prior to being found at the park. Officers are also appealing for dashcam and CCTV footage from the surrounding area, and want to speak with anyone in the vicinity who reported a wheelie bin stolen.
Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police.
