A man’s body has been found inside an industrial bin in Tasmania

Police are investigating after a man’s body was discovered inside an industrial bin behind a Salvos store near Hobart.

The body of a homeless 45-year-old man has been discovered inside an industrial bin behind a Salvation Army store in Tasmania.

Emergency services were called to the premises on Percy St at Bellerive near Hobart about 9am on Monday.

South East Criminal Investigation Branch Detective Inspector David Gill said a garbage contractor discovered the man’s body at the rear of the premises located on the eastern shore of the Derwent River.

“The garbage contractor attended the business premises as he normally would do,” Inspector Gill said.

“He actually lifted the lids on a number of large bins and found the male, who is 45 years of age, deceased in the bin.

“This was a large size industrial waste bin and the contractor observed what he initially thought was a mannequin display.”

Police have identified the man and are trying to establish his movements over the previous 48 hours.

Tasmania Police Detective Inspector David Gill of South East Criminal Investigation Branch.

Inspector Gill said they knew he was seen alive and well by his children about 7pm on Saturday and they were trying to close the timeline as they continued the investigation.

“The man is known to police, and he has been itinerant for some time now, and is known to frequent the Bellerive area,” he said.

“Investigations are at an early stage, and right now, the scene suggests that this could be a case of death by misadventure, or alternatively, foul play or possibly a combination of both.”

Inspector Gill said there was no evidence of injuries on the man and an autopsy was scheduled on Tuesday.

Tasmanian police would like to speak with anyone who would be aware of movement in the vicinity of Percy St on Sunday night and Monday morning to contact Crime Stoppers.

“Detectives and forensic personnel are currently on the scene conducting investigations,” a spokesman said.

“Police have the area contained and there is no danger to the public.”

Originally published as A man’s body has been found inside an industrial bin in Tasmania