Tributes flow at burnt-out Melbourne shop, where owner was allegedly bludgeoned to death

The wall of a burnt-out Melbourne shop where the owner was allegedly bludgeoned to death, before the premises was set on fire, has been covered in tributes.

Gordon Harvey, 62, was allegedly beaten to death with a hammer, before he was laid out on a bed then left inside the Fetish clothing store on Brunswick Street, in Fitzroy, which he owned.

The business was then set alight.

“You were a kind, gentle soul”, read one tribute on the boarded-up wall.

“Just love you dad”, another read.

North Fitzroy man Simon Kepenci has since been charged with one count each of murder and arson.

It is believed the pair were friends, who police said had met at the shop to share drugs including ice, last weekend.

Kepenci returned at the invitation of Mr Harvey on the following night, Homicide Squad Detective Senior Constable Kane Taylor said.

A search of Kepenci's home on Thursday also turned up personal items belonging to Mr Harvey including his iPad, car and other keys, and wallet.

A blood-stained hammer was found in a bin outside the residence and Mr Harvey's car was found a short distance away, he said.

Kepenci did not apply for bail, and he was remanded to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates Court today.