Man’s body found near Western Beach in Geelong city centre

Geelong residents and churchgoers near where a man’s lifeless body was found have been left on edge as homicide detectives ramp up their probe into the gruesome discovery.

A distressed wife called emergency services when she found her lifeless husband on a footpath in Geelong’s CBD, detectives have revealed.

The Geelong man, aged in 40s, was found dead next to his car with significant head injuries about 4.30am Friday on Malone St.

The footpaths around Mercer and Malone streets, near the city’s centre, and Western Beach Rd were swarming with uniformed and plain clothed police for much of Friday as investigators pieced together the events that left a man dead.

Homicide Squad Detective Sergeant Tony Hupfeld said the man lived on Western Beach Rd and left his home about 10pm on Thursday to go for his nightly walk with his dog.

He said the man’s wife became worried when she woke about 4am and found their dog had returned, but her husband was not home.

Police investigating after a body was found on Malone St in Geelong. Picture: Alison Wynd

She later found his body on neighbouring Malone St and contacted emergency services.

The man was not known to police and died before he was found, officers said.

Sergeant Hupfeld said police were treating the man’s death as suspicious and calling for witnesses.

“It’s only very early in the investigation,” Sergeant Hupfeld said.

“We are still trying to determine the circumstances of his death”

Police tape blocked off patches of grass surrounding St Peter’s and Paul’s Church, on the corner of Mercer and Malone streets for much of the day.

Father Minh Tran, from the church, said members of his congregation had been rattled by the events.

“It is very sad that something has happened next to our property and area,” he said.

“It has been very scary for people who live close by, especially our parishioners.

“Of course, we will mention and pray for the victim and his family.”

SES crews had set up a tent, while forensic officers were also on scene.

Detectives entering The Mercer building after a body was found on Malone St in Geelong. Picture: Alison Wynd

Dylan Slater, 30, said he lived in the neighbouring apartment building and was woken by sirens about 4.30am.

He said he went outside to investigate and saw a body on the pavement on Malone St.

He said the news of the death made him feel “a bit on the edge”.

“It definitely makes me feel a bit scared,” he said.

Mr Slater said he had lived in the building for three years and had witnessed criminal activity.

Another resident said the death was “unusual”.

“You don’t expect it in Geelong.”

Plain clothed detectives were canvassing nearby businesses and properties for CCTV footage as they try to piece together the circumstances surrounding the shocking find.

Police investigating after a body was found on Malone St in Geelong near the St Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Picture: Alison Wynd

“They came here this morning and asked for our security footage from the front of the shop,” one staff member from Texas Hamburger said.

“Unfortunately ours is not working.”

The shop is directly across from where a crime scene is established on Mercer St.

“I came here at 8am and there were already police everywhere,” she said.

“Honestly, maybe I sound crazy but I do feel a bit uncomfortable because it is close to the shop.”

Another staffer said the incident was “very concerning”.

A longtime nearby trader, who did not want to be named, said the graphic and exposed nature of the discovery had left his staff “stunned.”

“It’s absolutely shocking,” he said.

“For someone to just find a body just laying on the pavement, that’s pretty full on.

“It sounds suspicious.

“I don’t think it’s ever happened before in my recent memory.”

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Man’s body found near Western Beach in Geelong city centre