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Homicide squad investigates after Ashley Phillips found dead in bin in Melbourne’s north

A MAN whose body was found in a bin in Melbourne’s north has been remembered as “one of the nicest blokes you would ever meet”.

The man whose body was found in a Preston bin has been identified as Ashley Phillips. Picture: Supplied
The man whose body was found in a Preston bin has been identified as Ashley Phillips. Picture: Supplied

A MAN whose body was found in a bin in Melbourne’s north has been remembered as “one of the nicest blokes you would ever meet”.

Ashley Phillips, 44, was found dead in a bin by a garbage man at the intersection of Young and Butler streets in Preston last Saturday around 8am.

The Herald Sun can reveal that on Tuesday a report was made to Crime Stoppers concerning the behaviour and demeanour of a local drug dealer in the days after the grim discovery.

The grim discovery was made on Saturday morning. Picture: Hamish Blair
The grim discovery was made on Saturday morning. Picture: Hamish Blair

Investigators believe the bin had been left on Butler St, near Young St, in the early hours of Friday, May 26 and they are keen to speak to anyone who may have information.

Mr Phillips, who lived in Broadmeadows, is understood to have been a regular ice user.

A friend of Mr Phillips, who asked not to be named, told the Herald Sun: “He was a great bloke.

“He wasn’t a trouble maker at all which is why this is so shocking. The kind of person who would do anything to help someone out.

Ashley Phillips has been remembered as a “great bloke”. Picture: Supplied
Ashley Phillips has been remembered as a “great bloke”. Picture: Supplied

“You would never see him fighting anyone but he was always the kind of bloke who got ripped off by someone.”

READ MORE: Body found in Preston bin identified

Mr Phillips had worked for a labour hire firm and more recently in an aquarium.

“Police are appealing for anyone that may have seen any suspicious activity at the intersection of Young and Butler streets or the surrounding area,” Acting Sergeant Melissa Seach said.

Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report at crimestoppersvic.com.au.

david.hurley@news.com.au

@davidhurleyHS

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/homicide-squad-investigates-after-ashley-phillips-found-dead-in-bin-in-melbournes-north/news-story/c64b6c270a460e06fe576002fd347475