'Gorgeous young soul': Man arrested after woman found dead in Mernda
A young woman has been remembered as a "beautiful soul" after her body was discovered inside her home in Melbourne's north-east.
A 35-year-old man was arrested in the early hours of Monday, shortly after Celeste Manno was found dead on Umbria Road in Mernda about 4.10am.
Celeste Manno (inset) whose body was found in her home in Mernda on Monday.
The man was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries where he remains under police guard. Police said in a statement that they believe they were known to each other.
At the scene, distraught family and friends of Ms Manno gathered near the police tape throughout the morning, crying and hugging.
One woman collapsed to the ground and cried as she repeatedly said "how is this possible?" and "I can't believe it".
Close friend and work colleague Bertine Rashou said she had been shocked by the news.
Flowers were left outside Celeste Manno's home on Monday.Credit:Simone Fox Koob
"She was the most beautiful soul I have ever come across. I can’t imagine why anyone would want to hurt her," she told The Age.
"She was kind, loving and a great friend to many. A gorgeous young soul that was taken way too soon."
Tributes have also flowed on social media for Ms Manno, who was in the early 20s, with one friend describing her a "beautiful girl". "I'm going to miss you so much ... fly high our new angel," he said.
She studied criminology and psychology at RMIT, according to her social media profile.
Homicide squad detectives and forensic officers examine a car at the Mernda police station.Credit:Jason South
Flowers have been left outside Ms Manno's home. What appeared to be blood could be seen on the side gate of the home.
On Monday morning, police set up a second crime scene at the Mernda police station - less than two kilometres from Ms Manno's home - where forensic officers spent the morning examining a small blue car.
An SES tent was erected over the car while officers examined it. The tent was removed just before 11.30am.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
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Simone is a crime reporter for The Age. Most recently she covered breaking news for The Age, and before that for The Australian in Melbourne.