Tributes to man, 37, found dead in wheelie bin: Three people in custody over ‘murder’

Tributes have poured in for the 37-year-old man who was found dead in a wheelie bin last Friday.

Family and friends of Thomas Niven say they are “devastated” to have lost him “in such a cruel way” after his body was found in a bin in a park near Daimler Road in Coventry.

Police confirmed on Tuesday that three men had been detained on suspicion of murder and assisting an offender and that the investigation was ongoing following the arrests of a man and woman in their 40s and a man in his 20s in Blackpool on Sunday.

The victim’s family paid tribute and said: ‘Sadly our youngest son, stepson, brother, brother-in-law, nephew and uncle Tom was tragically taken away from everyone who dearly loved him.

‘As a family we are all shocked and devastated, our hearts are shattered after losing Tom in such a brutal way. He was a pillar of strength for all of us.

‘He was loving and caring, loved all his family, was very gentle when it came to animals, his nieces and nephews.’

They added: ‘He was full of laughter and had such an air of life and charm that could lift a dull soul, he loved his music and playing billiards.

‘He loved little harmless jokes but could never keep a straight face and burst into laughter.

Mr Niven’s body was found by a member of the public in Cash’s Park, off Daimier Road in Coventry.

Police confirmed that the investigation was still ongoing as three men were detained on suspicion of murder and assisting an offender.

‘We are so proud to have Tom in our lives, but his life was tragically cut short in the most brutal way. Tom will be missed forever.

‘Justice will be served. We love you Tom, rest easy, I love us all dad, mom, step mom, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews and our extended family.

‘We would ask anyone with information to contact the police.’

A member of the public called police after Mr Niven was found inside a green wheelie bin in Cash’s Park, Coventry, at around 5pm last Friday.

Anyone with information about what happened to Mr Niven is asked to come forward and contact police. Police said they were ‘continuing to build a picture of what happened’.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Poole, from our Major Crime Unit, said: ‘We are continuing to build the picture of what happened and the three people arrested at the weekend remain in police cells as investigations continue.

‘We would like to thank everyone who has been in touch and provided information so far and would still urge anyone who knows more to get in touch.’

Anyone with information can call 101 quoting 4148 of March 13 or message police via live chat. website.