Murder investigation after 'suspicious' death

A murder investigation has been launched into the "suspicious death" of a man in Plymouth, police have said.

Devon and Cornwall Police said officers were called by the ambulance service at about 06:40 BST over concerns for the welfare of a man in the West Hoe area.

He was found seriously injured in a service lane off Grand Parade where he was treated by paramedics, but was pronounced dead at the scene, the force said.

Detectives from the major crime investigation team have launched a murder investigation and were carrying out inquiries to identify the man and the circumstances surrounding his death, officers said. Several road closures are in place, including Grand Parade and Garden Crescent.

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

Det Insp Chris Lithgow said the investigation was at "an early stage but moving at a significant pace".

He said the force was appealing to anyone who was in the area of Grand Parade and Garden Crescent in Plymouth between 18:00 on Tuesday 20 October and 06:40 on Wednesday 21 October.

Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious or had CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage in the area has been urged to come forward.

Lithgow added: "There will be an ongoing police presence in the area while inquiries 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."

Anyone with information can report it via the Major Incident Public Portal or by telephone on 101 and the force website, quoting reference 50260282293.

Information could also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers via crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555111, police said.

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