THREE men have been arrested in relation to the alleged murder of 31-year-old Mohammed Abdurezek.

His body was found in Gibbs Lane, Siston, South Gloucestershire on Christmas Eve by a dog walker.

A post mortem confirmed he had died from multiple stab wounds.

Three men – one aged 42 and two 22 – have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in police custody.

Police enquiries into the incident continue, including a search of St George’s House in Church Drive in the St Georges area of Bristol where it is believed that Mr Abdurezek had been living recently.

DCI James Riccio, who is leading the investigation for Avon and Somerset Police, said that they believed Mr Abdurezek was not killed where he was found and that a team of officers were "working tirelessly" on the murder investigation.

Sean O'Donoghue, of Hay, Brecon and Talgarth Refugee Support Group, said that “Mo” came to Bristol from Ethiopia as a child stowaway around 2002, and became a man "taken to heart" by many in the community.

A talented athlete, he had completed the Cardiff Half Marathon in a time of 1.37, crossing the line with his arms crossed above his head in homage to the symbol of the Oromo people's quest for justice in Ethiopia.

Mr O'Donoghue said the 31-year-old had fled from the east African country after he witnessed his father being beaten up by security forces, and had been living as an asylum seeker for the past 14 years.

He said Mr Abdurezek's solicitor had just revealed that he could have embarked on his full application for refugee status after vital papers had arrived from the Home Office.

Talgarth county councillor William Powell said: “The news of his violent death has caused genuine shock amongst those who knew him.

“I very much hope that Avon and Somerset Police will be successful in bringing to justice those responsible for his murder."

Anyone who could help with police inquiries should call the Major Crime Investigation Team on 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5216284767 or use the inquiry name Operation Neptune.

Information can also be given anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org