By Lachlan Abbott
A woman has been found dead in green waste at a recycling facility in Melbourne’s north, triggering a homicide investigation.
Police said staff at Repurpose It, a waste management facility on Cooper Street in Epping, found a body while moving the waste on Wednesday.
Investigators believe the woman’s remains were inside a bin that was picked up outside a property in Coolaroo on Tuesday and taken to the Epping waste facility, police said in a statement on Saturday.
On Saturday afternoon, police confirmed a crime scene established at a home on Hilgay Street, Coolaroo was linked to the discovery of the woman’s body.
Forensic officers and homicide detectives spent hours at the brick house, but investigators did not confirm whether the Coolaroo home was where the bin was picked up from.
Police were seen photographing items on a blue tarpaulin in the driveway of the house.
Forensic officers on Saturday with possible evidence at a Coolaroo home linked to the discovery of a woman’s body at a tip.Credit: Justin McManus
“For operational reasons, we will not be providing further comment at this stage,” a spokeswoman said.
“A significant CCTV canvas of the Coolaroo area is under way and police are keen to speak to anyone who may have CCTV or dash-cam footage, particularly between Sunday, June 23 and Tuesday, July 2.”
A neighbour who has lived on the quiet suburban street for more than 30 years, Beatriz Betancur, said a woman who lived in the home police were investigating had only moved in over the past few months.
Betancur said she had only spoken to the older lady once, didn’t know her name and believed she lived alone.
The crime scene in Coolaroo on Saturday.Credit: Justin McManus
“She was just a normal person, to me,” Betancur said. “It’s scary. This street is very safe. It’s very quiet. Most of the people here are old people like me.”
Homicide detectives are awaiting a post-mortem to formally identify the woman.
Repurpose It chief executive George Hatzimanolis said the company was co-operating with investigators.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm that a body was discovered at the FOGO [food organics, garden organics] delivery shed at our facility on Wednesday,” he said on Saturday.
“Our staff members who made this tragic discovery are understandably shaken, and we are ensuring they receive the support and counselling they need.”
The green waste recycling facility where a woman’s body was found on Wednesday.Credit: Justin McManus
Anyone with dashcam/CCTV or any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or log onto www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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