Body found at Westfield Doncaster
POLICE are hunting a killer after a man with “horrific” head injuries was found dead at a shopping centre carpark in Doncaster.
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POLICE are hunting a killer after a man with “horrific” head injuries was found dead at a suburban shopping centre carpark.
A fitness instructor on her way to work raised the alarm after making the gruesome discovery at 6.10am on Friday in the carpark lift lobby of the Westfield Doncaster shopping complex.
Witnesses said it appeared the killer had slashed the man’s throat but police would only confirm he died from serious head injuries.
Forensic experts have examined a 150 metre blood trail which led away from the scene, raising the possibility the killer was injured.
The location where the body was found is close to multiple CCTV cameras.
Investigators were ploughing through footage captured on the cameras and were confident of a quick arrest.
The Herald Sun understands investigators know the identity of the killer.
The man’s body was removed at about 4.30pm and police were notifying his family.
Bystanders attending an early-morning fitness class tried to revive the man after the alarm was raised.
Heavy Haulers co-owner Jessica Abbott, who operates a boot camp in the carpark, said participants had just begun a session when the discovery was made.
Several participants performed CPR on the man, who was bleeding heavily, but he died at the scene.
“I can’t imagine being in that situation and being confronted with something like that and being able to act,’’ Ms Abbott said.
“It was unbelievable ... they have gone through quite a bit.
“And the poor man who has not made it — we are just thinking of his family.”
The trail of blood ran from the carpark stairwell, along a footpath on Berkeley St, behind the shopping centre before stopping outside an apartment complex.
The lower middle carpark, near the centre’s Toys R Us store, remained sealed off late on Friday with Homicide Squad detectives still on scene.
The carpark, which is typically used by staff from the shopping centre, leads to Doncaster Rd and Williamsons Rd.
Victoria Police spokeswoman Acting Sgt Melissa Seach said the exact circumstances surrounding the death were yet to be determined but investigators were treating it as suspicious.
“The man, who is yet to be formally identified, sustained serious head injuries and died at the scene,’’ Acting Sgt Seach said.
“Detectives are appealing for public assistance and are keen to speak to anyone that may have seen anything suspicious in the top level of the car park or in the lift lobby.”
Westfield declined to comment but said the shopping centre was open for business.
Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au.