Woman and primary-school-aged child found dead outside Melbourne apartment tower

Victoria Police are investigating after a woman and a young child were found unresponsive outside an apartment building in Box Hill, in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

Police are investigating the deaths of a woman and a primary-school-aged child who were found outside a high-rise apartment building in Box Hill, Melbourne, on Thursday evening, 22 October 2026. Emergency services were called to Prospect Street shortly before 6:20 pm after receiving reports that a woman was unresponsive outside the building. When emergency responders arrived, they found the woman on the footpath and an unresponsive child nearby. Despite attempts to revive them, both died at the scene, according to Victoria Police. The deaths prompted a police response and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The surrounding area was secured while officers attended the scene and detectives began making inquiries. Police have stated that, at this early stage, they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths. Authorities have not publicly confirmed the full circumstances leading up to the incident, and investigators are continuing to establish what happened. The identities of the woman and child had not been publicly confirmed in the reports available at the time of publication. Police also had not established publicly whether the pair lived in the apartment complex. The investigation involves examining the available evidence and determining the sequence of events before emergency services were called. Investigators may seek information from people who were in the area around the time of the incident, including residents, pedestrians and anyone who may have witnessed relevant activity. The case has attracted attention because of the deaths of a child and an adult in a public location. However, authorities have not released sufficient information to establish the circumstances or explain the relationship between the two people. It is important not to speculate about the cause of death or assign responsibility before police complete their inquiries. Victoria Police have appealed for assistance from members of the public who witnessed the incident or have information that could help investigators. Anyone with relevant information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. The investigation remains ongoing. Further information may become available as police establish the facts and determine whether any additional investigative steps are necessary.