Police are hoping to find a mysterious rider who crashed in spectacular fashion, perhaps after striking a stray wombat, on the Hume Freeway near Longwood on Sunday. It is believed  the person was likely to have been seriously injured.

Investigators have released photos of a badly damaged red and white Honda CRB 900 motorcycle that was found lying on the road along with skid marks and debris from the crash, including money and one shoe.

The scene stretched along the bitumen for about 100 metres.

The motorcycle has a distinctive evil face painted on its body.

Another driver alerted police to the crash on the freeway near the intersection of Longwood-Ruffy Road, just after 6am on Sunday. But no rider has been found so far, police said.
 
Registration details of the motorcycle have been checked, but have been of no help.

Police are appealing for the rider, or anyone who may have picked him up, to contact them.

Hours of searching on Sunday and Monday - aided by police dogs, the police helicopter and State Emergency Service volunteers - failed to locate the motorcyclist.

One of the volunteers, Sam, who did not wish to give his last name, said he was worried the injured motorcyclist may have walked away from the crash site and collapsed.

"He would be completely disoriented," the 27-year-old La Trobe University student said. "He might have wandered off in any direction."

Anyone with information about the crash or the missing rider is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.