Man dead in wheelie bin was a 'pillar of strength'

A man found dead in a wheelie bin in a Coventry park has been named by police as 37-year-old Thomas Niven, whose family said their hearts were "in pieces" over the loss of their "pillar of strength".

His body was discovered after officers were called by a member of the public on Friday evening to Cash's Park off Daimler Road in the city.

A man and a woman in their 40s, and a man in his 20s, were later arrested in Blackpool on suspicion of murder and assisting an offender.

West Midlands Police said investigations were continuing and Niven's family were being supported by officers and updated on the inquiry's progress.

The identity of the body was a mystery to police over the weekend, with the force seeking the public's help by sharing detail about distinctive tattoos.

Police believe Niven was hit by a car before being moved to the park.

In a tribute released by police, his family said: " We are all in shock and are devastated, our hearts are in pieces at the loss of Tom in such a cruel way. He was a pillar of strength towards us all.

"He was loving and caring, he loved all of his family, he was a big softy when it came to animals and his nephews and nieces."

The family added: "He was full of laughter and had such a vibe for life, he had a charm that would lift a dull spirit, he loved his music and playing pool. He loved small harmless pranks but could never keep a straight face and would break out into a laughter.

"We are so proud to have had Tom in our lives, his life has tragically been cut short in the most cruel way. Tom will forever be missed."

Det Ch Insp Phil Poole said: "We are continuing to build a picture of what happened and the three people arrested at the weekend remain in police cells as those inquiries continue."

As police appealed at the weekend for help from the public to identify the body, they listed tattoos that included a cross with a snake wrapped around it with the words "little stardust", and one that said "nan" along with a clover and the colours of the Irish flag.

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