A body found in bushes near a suburban shopping centre carpark has been identified as a woman, who appears to have been assaulted prior to her death.

Police are also treating the discovery as suspicious.

Detective Inspector Andrew Stamper said police would investigate whether the woman has been sexually assaulted.

“(It’s) an active line of investigation”.

“The investigation is in its early stages. We don’t know what the circumstances are.”

Police could not confirm the extent of the injuries the victim had sustained.

However, Insp Stamper confirmed evidence from the scene has lead police to believe the victim was at least physically assaulted.

The victim’s body is covered by a large tent as investigators continue to probe the scene.

Detectives are not sure if the victim was heading home when she was attacked.

A passerby made the grisly discovery at Bundoora shopping centre this morning about 7am.

Police will interview locals as they try and piece together what happened.

Detectives have also asked nearby businesses for CCTV.

Insp Stamper said anyone travelling on the 86 tram from Melbourne to Bundoora between 11pm-1am should contact police.

Homicide squad detectives remain at the scene, Main Drive, near Plenty Rd, combing for evidence in a set of bushes near a carpark entrance to Polaris Town Centre.

Local business owner Ardit Myrteza was shocked when his business partner told him of the death.

“It’s awful. That could be someone’s son or daughter,” he said. “It’s very tragic.”

A police spokeswoman said the circumstances surrounding the death are not yet known.

Main Drive remains closed from Plenty Rd with local housing across from the shopping centre also blocked off.

A significant police presence remains at the scene.

Details of the death remain unclear.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.