Body found beside Melbourne road

21 Oct 2012, 11:31 am   -   Source: AAP

Police are trying to determine how a man died after his body was found on the side of a road at Pearcedale in Melbourne's outer southeast.

A man struck by a car in outer Melbourne may have been lying on the road at the time he was hit, police say.

The man in his 50s was found by a passing motorist on the side of the Tooradin-Baxter Road at Pearcedale about 3.30am (AEDT) on Sunday.

Police have been unable to determine the identity of the man, who was not carrying any identification, or the exact circumstance of his death.

Detective Senior Sergeant Brad McArthur said initial investigations indicate the man was most likely lying on the road when he was struck by a vehicle.

He said the semi-rural 80km/h road has houses several hundred metres apart, no street lights and would have been dark at the time.

The area is several kilometres from the nearest pubs and shops.

"It is not the type of location one would normally expect to find a pedestrian either walking along the road or lying on the road, Det Sen Sgt McArthur told reporters.

"It may well be that the person that was driving the vehicle that has struck this male may not be aware that they have actually hit and killed a human being."

It does not appear the man was involved in any sort of altercation before he was struck, Det Sen Sgt McArthur said.

He said this incident and another fatal pedestrian incident in Victoria's west are reminders of the dangers of walking on dark roads at night.

"You are certainly putting yourself in danger by walking along a country road particularly at night time, in darkness. It is not something that I would recommend at all," he said.

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

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