Victorian man found dead and tied up on 90th birthday

An elderly man has been found dead and tied up in his own home near Ballarat, in central Victoria, on his birthday.

Ken Handford had lived alone in his Springbank home after his wife died more than a decade ago.

A neighbour was visiting Mr Handford to wish him happy birthday when they made the grim discovery.

Police were called to the 90-year-old's home at 1.30pm today and found him tied up in his bedroom.

The homicide squad is investigating the death, and said Mr Handford was last seen alive in Ballarat on Sunday morning.

"Someone's been through the house and that's why we're treating it as suspicious," Detective Inspector Mick Hughes said.

"They may have been looking for valuables or money."

Anyone with information about Mr Handford's death is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.