Police dropped off a man in a Melbourne street less than two hours before he was found apparently stabbed to death on a footpath.
A police patrol had picked up the man from the Alfred Hospital and was helping him find accommodation in St Kilda without success early on Saturday, police said.
They said the officers dropped the man off at his request about 2.20am (AEDT) at the intersection of Grey and Jackson streets, when and he was alive and well.
But police were later called when a passer by found the body of the 31-year-old St Kilda man with apparent stomach wounds in Barkly Street, St Kilda, just after 4am.
Detective Sergeant Sol Solomon told reporters it was a violent death and an autopsy would determine the cause.
Police are seeking witnesses who saw the man between the time he was dropped off and found dead.
At some stage the man had with him a full, large black suitcase and two full blue shopping bags, but these were not with him when he was found.
Det Sgt Solomon said police initially drove him at his request to a crisis centre in Grey Street, St Kilda, but there were no vacancies.
They drove him to another one in St Kilda without success and the man then asked to be let out.
Det Sgt Solomon said the officers involved are now making statements about their contact with the dead man.
He said it was too early to tell if the man, of no fixed address, had friends or associates in the area, and there were no suspects.
The man is described as of medium build, 172-175cm tall, wearing tan shorts, blue-red runners and a dark long-sleeved top.
Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au.
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