A burned corpse found next to a south Minneapolis garbage dumpster remained unidentified Friday evening, and authorities were seeking the public's help to identify the man.

Minneapolis homicide and arson investigators are probing both the death and a small related fire late Thursday. A cause of death hasn't yet been released for the victim.

Firefighters were called to a dumpster fire near an alley on E. 39th Street between Snelling and Minnehaha Avenues S. about 11:30 p.m.

When they arrived, firefighters found the man's body on asphalt next to the dumpster, police said.

The body was badly burned, which could hamper identification, a police spokesman said Friday evening. He called the grim findings a "tough scene" for police.

"There was no identification found on him, and we're having a difficult time figuring out exactly who he is," police spokesman Scott Seroka said.

"We're asking for the public's help from anyone who might have either seen something preceding 11:30 last night around this intersection, or somebody noticed that somebody might be missing."

Investigators are not releasing other details, such as the victim's height or race.

The dumpster has been removed so authorities can collect evidence. Police had no suspects as of Friday evening.

Joy Powell • 612-673-7750