TRIBUTES AS HOMICIDE COPS PROBE NORLANE DEATH
HOMICIDE Squad detectives are investigating after a body was found in Norlane on Thursday.
The man, who was yesterday yet to be formally identified, was located deceased inside the Iona St property about 12.30pm on Thursday.
Police yesterday said they would await the results of a post mortem to determine the cause of death.
However they confirmed it is being treated as suspicious.
Next-door neighbours Barry Hampson and Sarah Grahame said the man, who lived alone, was a “good friend”.
“We used to see each other every day,” Ms Grahame said.
“He was a funny guy, he was outgoing, and so kind to everyone. It’s sad that we’ve found out this.
“I can’t even stand looking at the house — all I can see is a picture of his face,” she said.
Mr Hampson said the “happy-go-lucky” man “would do anything for anyone”.
Another resident of the street, who asked not to be identified, said police spent hours at the residence on Thursday, with forensics also poring over the property.
“We’ve never had any troubles with them, and then this turned around and happened,” the man said.
“He was quite nice, it’s just a shame it happened.”
The neighbour said his wife heard something happening outside about 2.30am on Thursday, but “that was about it”.
“This area’s had its problems from the time we moved in 20-odd years ago, but this is probably the biggest thing in about the last five years,” he said.
The probe comes after new Crime Statistics Agency figures this week showed there were 13 “homicide and related” offences recorded in the 12 months to March in Greater Geelong. That was almost double the seven homicides recorded for the 12 months prior.
The total number of offences recorded under “crimes against the person”, which includes violent offences such as homicide, sexual offences and assault, was 3461 in the year ending March, up from 3213 the 12 months prior, in Greater Geelong.
Anyone with information on the Norlane fatality is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au