Melbourne man arrested over alleged theft of Footscray skulls

Detectives have arrested a man following an extensive investigation into the disturbance of two Melbourne grave sites in January.

A man has been arrested after police made a breakthrough almost two months into their investigation into the alleged theft of two human skulls from a Melbourne cemetery.

The disturbing incident sent shockwaves through Melbourne in late January after it emerged mausoleums at Melbourne’s Footscray cemetery had been broken into, with two skulls stolen from the graves.

After ramping up security at the site and scouring CCTV footage, police made an arrest on Friday, allegedly discovering what is believed to be the stolen human remains from a home.

Police arrested a 40 year-old Sportswood man who is in police custody.

It’s expected he will be charged with interfering with the corpse of a human being and criminal damage.

Three graves were damaged in separate incidents. Picture: Jason Edwards

The case received international attention, with rumours the crimes were linked to satanic rituals after candles, crucifixes and letters to Satan were found in the cemetery.

Police at the time alleged two separate mausoleums were pried open four days apart, between January 27 and February 1, in what was believed to be targeted and deliberate crimes.

The coffins were left desecrated following the incident.

A third coffin was also damaged, but nothing was taken.

Detectives arrested a 40-year-old Spotswood man on Friday after executing a warrant at his Mary St home.

While no personal objects were taken from the mausoleums, both of the victims were elderly when they died and located in the same area of the cemetery.

Anyone with information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.