Man charged with murder after young woman's body found in burnt-out car

A 21-year-old man has been charged with murder after the body of 23-year-old Hannah McGuire was found in a burnt-out car in regional Victoria on Friday.

Friends have paid tribute to McGuire, saying she was a "kind-hearted and beautiful girl" whose "smile and laughter lit up any room you entered".

The Clunes Cricket Club, which is sponsored by McGuire's parents Glenn and Debbie, set up a fundraiser for the family.

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"As a community we send our deepest love and condolences... Hannah was known by many as a bright young woman and had a heart of gold," it said.

"Glenn and Debbie sponsor the Clunes Cricket Club and are very generous people.

"As a club and a community, we want to put our arms around the McGuire family and everyone close to Hannah."

Police made two arrests in the matter yesterday – the 21-year-old and a 22-year-old man – and this afternoon laid one charge of murder against the 21-year-old.

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McGuire's body was found in a burnt-out car near State Forests Road, Scarsdale, south-west of Ballarat last Friday.

"The charge follows an incident where emergency services were called to reports of a vehicle on fire in bushland near State Forest Road just before 10am on Friday, April 5," Victoria Police said this afternoon.

"The remains of a 23-year-old Clunes woman were located inside the vehicle."

Police believe McGuire knew her alleged murderer.

The 21-year-old will appear in Ballarat Magistrates' Court tomorrow.

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