Man may have been victim of burglary before death, police say

A man was left to die on a quiet Doncaster street minutes after fending off an alleged aggravated burglary.

Police at the scene of a man's death in Doncaster.

A man was left to die on a quiet suburban street minutes after fending off an alleged aggravated burglary in Melbourne’s east.

Horrified residents along Eildon St, Doncaster awoke to their street closed as a heavy police presence investigated the death of a 33-year-old man.

The man, understood to be renting the property, was targetted in an alleged aggravated burglary about 5.30am on Saturday at his Sargent St home – a few streets from where he died.

It was unclear if anyone else was home, how many alleged offenders were involved and whether he chased the alleged burglars to Eildon St.

Devastated loved ones were seen consoling each other outside the man’s home, refusing to speak with media as they came to terms with the tragic loss.

Sargent St remained closed to traffic for more than 12 hours on Saturday as detectives launched a wide-scale investigation.

Police investigate the scene at Sargent St Doncaster where the alleged aggravated burglary took place. Picture: Athos Sirianos

By Saturday evening, no arrests have been made, with the man’s cause of death also unclear.

It was also unclear whether anyone else was home at the time.

Victoria Police Inspector Carlie Kohler said the investigation into the man’s death was still in its very early stages.

“We have increased our patrols and presence within the community and we will continue to do so,” she said

“These are a tragic set of circumstances and our thoughts are with the victim’s family, friends and community.”

Local woman Daniella said it was “confronting” to see a heavy police presence close to home.

“It’s quite a safe neighbourhood and seeing police everywhere is quite a traumatic thing experience and see first thing this morning,” she said.

“It’s very scary and sad…hopefully they can find who’s done this.”

Another local Melvin Choo said he awoke about 6am to police and sniffer dogs sniffing the area.

Doncaster locals say it was “confronting” to see a heavy police presence in the area. Picture: Supplied

“The (sniffer) dogs were the first thing I noticed in our yard this morning,” he said.

“We don’t get that too often here…I’m not sure how the circumstances unfolded but it sounded like there was a bit of a chase”.

The man’s death comes less than 24 hours after another aggravated burglary occurred in Melbourne’s southwest on Friday evening.

It is understood two men entered a property along Sarsparilla Dr in Point Cook about 6.30pm.

No one was injured during the incident but early reports suggest the alleged offenders of Asian appearance later fled by jumping over the back fence.

It’s believed one of the men may have been carrying a weapon in their pocket.

The incidents were not believed to be lined at this stage.

The investigation remains ongoing and anyone who witnessed either incident or with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.