Nikkita Azzopardi family in shock after her death at South Morang

The family of Nikkita Azzopardi are grappling with her shock death as police arrest a 33-year-old man who was known to her.

Police have arrested and interviewed a 33-year-old man in their investigation into the death of Nikkita Azzopardi, as her family gathered outside her home to grapple with their shocking loss.

Ms Azzopardi was found dead at a South Morang home in Melbourne’s outer north on Monday morning, with emergency services called to the residential property about 10am.

“Police arrested a 33-year-old South Morang man who will be interviewed in relation to the incident,” Victoria Police said on Monday.

No charges have been laid.

Nikkita Azzopardi was found dead at a property on Reid Street South Morang. Picture: Facebook

Edward Azzopardi (left) and his son at the scene on Reid Street in South Morang where his daughter Nikkita was discovered dead. Picture: NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

“It is believed both parties are known to each other.”

Ms Azzopardi’s family gathered outside the address in emotional scenes, with father Edward Azzopardi, 65, telling the Herald Sun he had called the police on Monday morning out of concern for his daughter’s safety.

Family members, including Shaun and his father, searched the house and allegedly found doors barricaded with chairs.“I went upstairs and went through the door and I saw my sister . . . I can’t get that image out of my head,” he said.

Shaun Azzopardi, the brother of Nikkita, speaks to the media on Monday. Picture: NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

Nikkita’s older brother, Shaun Azzopardi, 40, said his sister’s death felt like a bad dream.“It doesn’t feel real,” he said. “I’m trying to stay strong.”

Photos from the scene show the devastated family in shock and holding back tears.

The house, on Reid St, has been condoned off and investigators are on site examining the scene.

Originally published as Nikkita Azzopardi family in shock after her death at South Morang