Man found dead by friends at Melbourne home

Victorian homicide detectives are trying to work out if a man found dead in Doreen in Melbourne's outer-north had links to the drug trade.

Two female friends found the 29-year-old man's body at his Kiora Avenue home just before 9pm.

Detective Inspector John Potter, from the homicide squad, said the Clandestine Laboratory Squad are examining the house after a number of suspicious substances were found.

"I am aware some substances have been found in glass containers," he said. "As a precaution we have called in our Clandestine Laboratory Squad to examine them."

The deceased man, who is yet to be identified, suffered severe injuries, and police say the death is being treated as murder.

Det Insp. Potter said the man is known to police, but refused to go into details.

Neighbours say the distraught women who found the body screamed for help.

Matthew Hurdell, who was among the first to assist, told Seven News: "They were running up and down the street distraught, calling out for a friend, calling out for help. We came to the door and called police."

Neighbours say they have no idea why or how this has happened.

Friend Joanne Barker said: "He'd give you the shirt off his back. He was a really good person, do anything for you. I don't understand why this has happened to him."

Police say they have no suspect, but say there was no sign of forced entry into the house, which could mean the deceased knew his attacker.

An autopsy will be carried out to determine the exact cause of death.