Homicide squad investigating after body found near creek in Ballarat's east

Homicide Squad detectives remain investigating after the body of a man was found dead in Ballarat's east on Boxing Day.

The deceased was identified as a 24-year-old man from Corio, Geelong.

Police must await results of a post mortem to determine the cause of death.

Emergency services had been called to new housing estate Pennyweight Gully about 10.30am on Saturday.

UPDATE, 4PM:

POLICE have confirmed the body found dead in Ballarat's east on Boxing Day was a 24-year-old man from Corio, Geelong.

Investigations remain ongoing into his cause of death.

EARLIER

Police have confirmed investigations are underway after the body of a man was found in Ballarat's east on Boxing Day.

Emergency services were called to Pennyweight Gully, a new housing estate in Canadian, about 10.30am on Saturday.

The man's identity is not yet known, and the cause of death is yet to be determined.

Residents in the area report seeing police activity, including by the nearby creek, from between 11am until about 9pm. This included police forensics.

The opening to Cowley Court, off Navvy Jack Road, was closed off with police tape for most of this time.

Pennyweight Gully is the name of a creek that runs through northern Canadian near Sparrow Ground and behind Canadian Lead Primary School.

The Courier understands police activity was centred within the housing estate of the same name, which is metres from the school's back gates.

Pockets of the small estate remain under development. Cowley Court, broken in half by the creek, only features a couple of complete houses. A large row of townhouses is situated on the opposite side of the estate.

Neighbours tell The Courier they were shocked to learn of the discovery at the weekend.

There were no clear signs of police activity on Sunday morning. Couples were out walking the creekside trail, which runs through the estate into trees beside the school and into Pennyweight Park.

But the area was otherwise quiet.

The trail is lined with native grasses and features seemingly new bridged walkways.

The estate is overlooked by houses lining the hill along Wilson Street, between Rodier and Joseph streets.

More to come

Anyone with details is urged to call Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.