Homicide Squad probe after body found in Notting Hill

UPDATE: POLICE believe a man whose body was found near the stairway of an apartment block in Notting Hill may have been hit with a weapon.

FOOTAGE from 29 CCTV cameras could hold the key to a murder after a man’s body was found in Melbourne’s southeast.

A woman was on her way to work when she stumbled upon the body at 9.20am on Friday in the garden of the modern Notting Hill apartments building, off Blackburn Rd in Notting Hill.

The man was found partially hidden under a bush near a stairwell. Police say a weapon was used in the murder and he may have lain there for hours.

On Friday night they were still trying to identify the victim, said to be of Asian appearance, aged in his late 20s to early 30s.

The Herald Sun understands detectives will today get two USB sticks which will contain footage from 29 security cameras at the complex.

Forensics officers and homicide detectives spent hours at the scene yesterday. SES crews were seen searching drains for a murder weapon at 3.30pm, while locals were doorknocked by investigators.

The body was found in the stairwell of an apartment complex. Picture: Alex Coppel.

The Homicide Squad is investigating the death. Picture: Alex Coppel.

A forensic officer examines the murder scene. Picture: Alex Coppel.

Police at an entrance to the apartment complex. Picture: Alex Coppel.

Homicide detectives at the scene. Picture: Alex Coppel.

Forensic officers at the crime scene. Picture: Alex Coppel.

Detective Senior-Sergeant Stephen McIntyre of the homicide squad said: “At this stage we are treating this as a homicide. The male has not been identified at this point.

“We are appealing to anyone who may have been in this area overnight who may have some knowledge of an incident in the garden area.

“The man has a number of injuries which are consistent with being assaulted with a weapon,” he added.

A post-mortem examination will take place on Saturday.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Originally published as Homicide Squad probe after body found in Notting Hill