5.30pm UPDATE: Homicide Squad Detective Inspector Andrew Stamper said a woman’s body was found this morning by passers-by in scrub on Main Drive, near Plenty Road, Bundoora around 7am near the side entrance to Polaris Town Centre.
“We are treating it as suspicious. It’s apparent or it seems that the woman has been assaulted and that’s really all I am prepared to say at this stage,” Det-Insp. Stamper said.
Investigators fear a woman may have been stalked before she was killed. Her body was found dumped outside a shopping centre near a busy tram route. Police are appealing for help from the public, including passengers travelling on the number 86 tram yesterday. @anniemaykearney pic.twitter.com/os94wb9E0l
— 10 News First Melbourne (@10NewsFirstMelb) January 16, 2019
VIDEO: Courtesy Ten News First.
It is believed a woman, clothes removed, may have been subject to sexual assault between 11pm last night and 1am this morning. It is understood the woman was unconscious but breathing when she was found.
Detectives will examine footage of any 86 trams travelling from the city to Bundoora between 11pm and 1am and CCTV footage from the BP service station on the corner of Plenty Rd and Main Drive.
Investigators began the process of removing the woman’s body about 4pm.
Investigators are keen to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity of Main Drive and Plenty Road between 11pm and 1am today.
This includes anyone driving through the area, particularly the intersection of Plenty Road and Main Drive or the Polaris Shopping Centre, and may have dashcam footage.
They would also like to speak to anyone who may have been on the 86 tram which travels from the Melbourne CBD to Bundoora.
Sources told Kinglake Ranges News: “Her clothes were missing and her body splayed out in a very compromising position.”
“It is not a pretty site.
“However, details of death remain unclear,” the source said.
Homicide detectives will be working with local police to liaise with local residents following the incidents.
There is also expected to be an increased local police presence and patrols.
A section of the shopping centre remains cordoned off as homicide detectives investigate.
PHOTOS: Ashley Geelan.
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