Police suspect 22-year-old Chadwer ‘Chaddy’ Leah was chased, bashed before drowning in Melbourne’s Yarra River

Police have alleged Chadwer “Chaddy” Leah who was found dead in the Yarra River had jumped into the water to escape machete-wielding teens, suspected to have chased and bashed him in the CBD.

Police suspect 22-year-old Chadwer "Chaddy" Leah drowned in the Yarra River after trying to escape two teenagers. Picture: Supplied

A terrified man died after jumping into the Yarra River to escape two teenagers who bashed and chased him in the CBD with a machete, police suspect.

Two people have been arrested by detectives from the missing persons squad as part of their investigation into what happened to Chadwer “Chaddy” Leah, of Clyde North.

Those arrested were an 18-year-old Collingwood man and a 16-year-old boy from Melton South.

The 22-year-old’s body was pulled from the river off Flinders St on October 1.

The arrested pair have been released pending further inquiries. No charges have been laid.

The body of 22-year-old Chadwer ‘Chaddy’ Leah was pulled from the Yarra River earlier this month. Picture: Supplied

Investigators carried out warrants at homes in Collingwood and Melton South.

They will allege Mr Leah left a licensed venue on Flinders St at about 1am on September 30.

“He then had a conversation with a group of males where it is believed an altercation occurred,” a Victoria Police statement issued on Monday said.

“Investigators do not believe they were known to each other.

“The Clyde North man was punched and elbowed to the head, before he ran from the scene.”

Police allege Mr Leah was chased by two men, one of them brandishing a machete.

“Just before 2.50am the Clyde North man jumped into the Yarra River in what will be alleged was an effort to evade them, managing to scramble onto a jetty, before once again falling into the water and subsequently drowning,” the statement said.

Police are still looking for witnesses or any CCTV which could help their inquiry.

Anyone who can assist can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au