Police yet to identify body dumped at Mt Cottrell

Wyndham West SES volunteers and detectives search for clues beside the stream near where the body was found. Picture: Esther Lauaki

Homicide detectives have renewed their appeal for information to help identify a young man whose partially clothed remains were found wrapped in plastic on a creek bank south of Eynesbury.

The body was found by three bush walkers near Dukelows Road at Mount Cottrell about 3pm last Thursday.

An autopsy confirmed the body was that of a man of Asian descent, aged in his 20s.

Homicide detective inspector Mick Hughes said it was hoped DNA tests would help identify the man. He said his body could have been dumped up to a fortnight ago.

“We can’t give a definitive time of when he died or when he was dumped in the water about a couple of hundred metres downstream from the stream crossing at [Cobbledick Ford Road, Mt Cottrell],” he said.

“We’re working through missing persons files. We’re looking for people who have a son or family member who has been missing for a couple of weeks to come forward and contact police.”

Detective Inspector Hughes said the death was suspicious.

“He has been dumped in a secluded location – you would have to know the area to be able to find it. He was definitely dumped. His body was wrapped in plastic and it appears he was killed somewhere else and then dumped here.

“There are injuries on the body and he was found partially clothed,” Detective Inspector Hughes said.

Homicide squad detectives and other emergency services line-searched the area for evidence. “Investigators are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.”

Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au