Body found in bushland believed to be missing Melbourne woman Penny Bailey

Police have found a body they believe is that of Mont Albert woman Penny Bailey, who has been missing since Tuesday.

She was last seen at her Mont Albert North home on Sunday.

Homicide police said evidence inside the flat was “concerning” and they conducted a forensic examination, taking away bags of evidence and a vehicle on Wednesday.

Her son, Stephen Bailey, 34, was arrested late on Wednesday after a public appeal before being admitted to hospital for an undisclosed medical condition.

He is now in hospital.

But a witness to the arrest told the Nine Network that Mr Bailey was wearing only underpants when police restrained and then arrested him on Smithfield Road in Flemington. Later on Wednesday, police revealed Mr Bailey had been seen in the Lonsdale and Bourke street areas in the CBD between 6.30am and 7am on Wednesday.

Linda asked Stephen, who was last seen by one of his sisters leaving the home he shared with his mother about 11:45 am on Tuesday, to come forward and talk to the police. “Mum, I love you, I miss you and I’m anxious about you”. Police have concerns for Stephen’s welfare and are urging him to make contact.

Homicide squad chief Detective Inspector Mick Hughes would not elaborate on what was found inside the townhouse, but said the scene was concerning.

Ms Bailey was reported missing by family on Tuesday night after relatives broke into her home and it looked like a disturbance had happened. Penny Bailey, 59, is still missing.

Ms Batty said he is not yet fit to be interviewed by detectives.

The police investigation is ongoing.