A quiet Tarneit intersection became a major crime scene this morning after a woman was found dead on Leakes Road, with police believing she was struck by a vehicle whose driver fled into the pre-dawn darkness.
A passer-by made the grim discovery at the intersection of Leakes and Derrimut roads just before 6am. The woman, who has not yet been identified, was located on the roadway as Melbourne’s outer west began to stir for another working day.
Victoria Police say it is believed the woman was hit by a vehicle that left the scene without stopping. Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives have launched an urgent investigation and are appealing for anyone who travelled through the area to come forward.
By first light, the intersection was cordoned off as MCIU detectives began the painstaking task of marking and collecting evidence.
Peak Hour Images immediately dispatched its chief crime reporter and crime-scene photographer to the scene. Upon arrival, Lord Murray Schoorman captured images of investigators marking out evidence across the roadway, while police were approached by witnesses offering information and statements.
One of the key pieces of evidence that will play a significant part in the investigation was a yellow canvas satchel-style bag with a black shoulder strap and black zip, found on the zebra pedestrian crossing at the location.
SES crews erected a marquee over the woman’s body, shielding the scene from view as officers worked nearby. The sombre sight stood in stark contrast to the ordinary morning traffic that normally pulses through the busy Tarneit intersection.
Detectives are expected to remain at the scene for most of today as they process evidence and piece together the woman’s final movements.
Police are urging motorists who used Leakes Road or Derrimut Road around the time of the discovery to check their dashcam footage.
Investigators believe drivers may have inadvertently captured the woman walking in the area before the incident, or crucially, the vehicle involved.
“Motorists may have inadvertently captured the woman as she was walking in the area, or the vehicle involved,” police said.
The woman’s identity has not been released, and police have not confirmed what type of vehicle may have been involved.
Anyone with information, dashcam or CCTV footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
