Victoria Police investigate ‘link’ between woman’s battered body and acquitted terror suspect

THERE has been a shocking twist in the case of three children found injured in Melbourne. Now the homicide squad are at their home with shovels.

A MELBOURNE man acquitted in Australia’s largest terror trial is being questioned over the murder of a woman believed to be his wife whose battered body was found dumped three weeks ago.

Bassam Raad, 34, was arrested after three children were taken to hospital after emergency services were called to an alleged assault at a Broadmeadows home on Monday night.

Police have not named Mr Raad or confirmed his age but say the man in custody is known to the injured children.

It is believed Mr Raad is now being questioned over the body of a badly beaten woman found on June 17.

Mr Raad was acquitted in a high-profile terror trial in 2008 where he was among 12 men accused of planning terror attacks in Melbourne — including talking about a plan to blow up the MCG.

Homicide detectives searched the Broadmeadows home on Tuesday to determine whether there were possible links to an “existing active investigation”. Police would not comment on the whereabouts of the children’s mother.

Victoria Police would not say why the homicide squad was assisting local police with the search. Pictures from the scene show officers, some with shovels. Items could be seen being removed from the property.

Homicide squad arrive at the Broadmeadows home with shovels.

Police officers door knock houses in the area near where the three children were found injured at a home in Broadmeadows, Melbourne. Picture: AAP

A woman’s badly battered body was found by a passing jogger on June 17 after it was dumped about 2km from the Broadmeadows home wrapped in a quilt.

It was wrapped in cloth and a distinctive headscarf was found nearby. The Herald Sun reported today the woman was Raad’s wife, a Lebanese national called Zaynab, who hasn’t been seen for many weeks.

Despite a nationwide call for help, detectives had been unable to identify the woman, but last week revealed they believed she was a mother and a victim of family violence.

Homicide squad detectives investigate at the Broadmeadows home in Melbourne. Picture: AAP

Police forensic and homicide squad officers enter the home. Picture: Nicole Garmston

One of the children was left unconscious after the alleged incident in the Broadmeadows home and another had broken bones. None of the injuries are life-threatening.

The Herald Sun reported today the body was found “badly mutilated” with its fingers cut off.

Friends had been worried about Mr Raad’s wife Zaynab for some time, and told the newspaper her husband wouldn’t let anyone near his family.

“We haven’t heard from her,” they said. “He does not want us to see her. He wanted to take them to Syria. The last time we saw her was five months ago.”