Homicide squad investigating death of Matt Salau who was found badly injured in Frankston

A man who died in a suspected homicide has been remembered as a “brother” and a “funny bugger” by his friend.

Homicide Squad detectives probe the death of a man found on a Frankston street. Picture: Nicki Connolly

A man allegedly murdered at a Frankston home on Monday night has been remembered as a “funny bugger”.

Police performed CPR on 30-year-old Matt Salau after he was found seriously injured on Ashleigh St around 11:30pm.

Mr Salau, from Heatherton, died at the scene.

Long-time friend Dillon Williams remembered his “brother” as a “funny bugger”.

Matt Salau was allegedly murdered in Frankston.

“Rest in peace mate,” he said in a tribute on social media.

Homicide detectives are probing the death.

“The exact circumstances surrounding the man’s death are yet to be determined and the investigation remains ongoing,” police said in a statement on Tuesday.

But police confirmed those involved are believed to have been known to each other. “Investigators believe this was a targeted incident,” police said in a statement.

Matt Salau was allegedly murdered in Frankston.

Nearby resident David said drug deals on Ashleigh St and adjacent Campbell St were a common occurrence, taking place “night after night” and leaving residents scared and intimidated.

Emergency services were called to Ashleigh St in Frankston shortly after 11.30pm on Monday.

Homicide Squad detectives at the scene where the man was found badly injured. Picture: Nicki Connolly

The circumstances surrounding the man’s death are being investigated. Picture: Nicki Connolly

“I’ve asked the police to come down and do a patrol down the street to no avail. They say don’t have the resources,” he said

“It’s very, very obvious why they (residents) are moving out of Frankston, because of the drug substance abuse in this place.

“You’ve got people walking up and down the street, they’re off their head … the police need to find out who these dealers are and close them down so the people in the community can actually live in peace.”

David said he suspected the death was the result of a “drug deal gone wrong”.

Another nearby resident said he saw the “aftermath” of the emergency response, noting fire crews also arrived at the scene about 11.30pm.

A resident of Ashleigh St said she wasn’t “particularly surprised” to have been woken by the flashing lights of emergency services in her street last night.

The woman said there are often a number of “untoward people” visiting the unit where the man is believed to have died.

“There’s been a lot of commotion from the property over the last year or so,” she said.

“There are a lot of different people coming and going.”

The woman said the behaviour of those living in the unit has sparked fears for her own safety and the safety others in the street.

“I’ve had a discussion with a police officer before, more about the welfare of some of their elderly neighbours,” she said.