Man, 32, charged with murder after body found on street in Melbourne's Chinatown

A man has been charged over the alleged murder of a woman after her body was found in Melbourne's Chinatown.

The 32-year-old Cowes man was charged with one count of murder after being questioned by police late on Wednesday.

He is expected to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday afternoon.

The 33-year-old victim was discovered lying across the road with what appeared to be a meat transport vehicle next to her about 6.30am.

It’s unclear if or how the vehicle is linked to the death. 

A passer-by raised the alarm after finding the body on Celestial Avenue.

Paramedics were called to the scene however the woman could not be revived. 

The usually-bustling strip was bordered by crime scene tape for several hours, as forensic officers carried out their investigations. 

Local traders were unable to access their businesses and foot traffic was diverted from the area. 

Police have remained tight-lipped on the exact circumstances surrounding the woman’s death and whether the she was found with any visible injuries. 

Detectives were seen going door-to-door in the search for CCTV as they tried to piece together the her final movements. 

The Homicide Squad has been called in to assist local detectives.