Woman, man found dead in Maribyrnong River as grim details emerge

A fisherman has described the horrifying moment he discovered a woman’s body wrapped in plastic and floating in the Maribyrnong River

A woman's body has been found in the Maribyrnong River at Flemington. Picture: NewsWire / Tony Gough

A fisherman who discovered a woman’s body in the Maribyrnong River says she had a bag tied over head and plastic wrapped around her legs.

The woman’s body was found floating in water near Flemington on Sunday morning, just 90 minutes before the body of a man was also found in the river. Police do not believe the incidents are related.

On Monday, police confirmed they are treating the woman’s death as suspicious and the Homicide Squad is investigating.

A Flemington man who made the grim discovery and wished to remain anonymous said he was fishing along the riverbank when he noticed rubbish bags floating in the water.

The woman’s body was discovered by a member of the public on Sunday morning. Picture: NewsWire / Tony Gough

“I went closer and thought it was just a dummy – hoped it was just a dummy,” he told the Herald Sun.

The man said the woman had significant bruising along her left arm and noted her face was covered in rags.

“Her head was covered in blue material,” he said.

Careful not to alarm people passing by, the former military personnel quickly called triple-0 and waited by the riverbank until police arrived about 10.30.

Shaken by the ordeal, the man said he didn’t want to return home because he lived on his own.

Water police could be seen hovering near the river edge as the woman’s body lay on the rocky river bank on Sunday morning.

Water police also attended the scene in Footscray. NCA NewsWire / Valeriu Campan

Forensic photographers and detectives could also be seen taking notes and photographing the woman’s body, which appeared to be largely covered in blue plastic.

Victoria Police confirmed a second body was also discovered by a member of public about 90 prior in Footscray.

‘Inquiries are underway in relation to identifying the man, however it appears at this early stage that this death is likely to be non suspicious,” they said in a statement.

Police also confirmed “there is nothing to link” the two deaths at this stage.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000