Homicide detectives have been called in to investigate the death of a woman whose body was found by a fisherman near the banks of the Maribyrnong River in Melbourne’s inner west on Sunday.
However, investigators believe her death is not connected to that of a man whose body was discovered by another passerby in the same river less than two kilometres downstream earlier on Sunday morning.
The woman’s remains were discovered near Smithfield Road in Flemington about 10.30am. A plastic bag was tied over her head and her body was covered in bruises.
“This death is being treated as suspicious,” police said in a statement on Monday. “We are still in the process of speaking to next of kin and will provide any further updates when we are able to.”
The discovery of the woman’s body came about 90 minutes after the man’s body was found in the water near Saltriver Place in Footscray.
On Monday, police said they were still working to identify him, but at this stage his death was not believed to be suspicious.
Police retrieve one of the bodies on Sunday.Credit: Nine News
“At this time, there is nothing to link the death of the woman to that of the man whose body was also located in the Maribyrnong River yesterday morning,” policed said.
Witnesses or anyone with CCTV/dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.