Melbourne's sex trade industry is on high alert as police search for an aggressive client who was seen bothering street workers days before one of them was killed.
The woman, aged 40 and known professionally as Kelly, was found dead inside her van on Greeves Street in St Kilda on Sunday. Her long-term boyfriend discovered her body.
Victorian homicide squad detective inspector John Potter said that sex workers had reported an aggressive client in the area at the time, and that information was being pursued as part of the investigation. He urged those in the trade to remain vigilant while police gathered evidence.
Sally Tonkin, chief executive of the St Kilda Gatehouse, who knew the victim, paid tribute to her as a loving and caring person. "She was the glue in the community and she'll be deeply missed," she said.
Detectives are reviewing CCTV footage from the area and are keen to interview people connected to the woman to help clear suspects and establish the circumstances of her death.
