Man interviewed by police after woman’s body found in South Morang

The heartbroken father of Nikkita Azzopardi has revealed a welfare check on his daughter was requested, before she was found dead at a South Morang home on Monday morning.

Police at a Reid St property after a woman's body was found. Picture: Fergus Ellis

The heartbroken father of Nikkita Azzopardi has revealed a welfare check was requested for his daughter, before she was found dead inside a South Morang home about 10am on Monday morning.

A 33-year-old man, understood to be Nikita’s partner Joel Micallef, has been interviewed by police in relation to the death.

Ms Azzopardi’s father, Edward Azzopardi, 65, told the Herald Sun he had called police earlier on Monday fearing for his daughter’s safety.

“My daughter’s dead,” he said, adding Nikkita, 35, was supposed to attend a family barbecue on Sunday.

Family members were seen sobbing and embracing each other on Monday afternoon.

A neighbour of the Reid St, South Morang, home where Ms Azzopardi’s body was found said a detective was even brought to tears at the scene.

Tony Naggiar, 66, said the distressed police officer needed comforting.

“He was crying … other police officers went around him and hugged him,” Mr Naggiar said.

“He couldn’t stop crying.”

A large section of Reid St remained condoned off by police on Monday afternoon, with more than half a dozen uniformed officers stationed outside the house.

Police have cordoned off a large section of Reid St in South Morang.

A police spokeswoman said the exact circumstances surrounding the death were yet to be determined and investigations were ongoing.

Homicide Squad detectives are believed to be speaking with bereaved members of the family.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Originally published as Man interviewed by police after woman’s body found in South Morang