Officers had initially attended a burning car on Halls Road after being alerted to the fire by nearby residents.

While police remained tight-lipped yesterday, it’s believed the suspicious incident is connected to the missing woman, aged 49, and that police have serious concerns for her welfare.

The missing persons unit is part of the homicide squad. 

Sniffer dogs were brought to the scene on Thursday afternoon after Halls Road was blocked to traffic.

Lookout Road was also guarded by police and officers patrolled the nearby area.

The area backs onto a pine tree plantation.

It’s believed multiple crime scenes are involved in the investigation.

The detectives attended Wangaratta station as officers were debriefed on the situation late Thursday.

Arson chemists examined the burnt out vehicle.

A police spokeswoman said the investigation was ongoing.

It’s not known when the woman went missing.