The unidentified woman was found at Buffalo Creek Reserve in Hunters Hill early on Wednesday morning

This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

Homicide detectives have confirmed a woman’s body has been found in a Sydney park and say they are treating the death as “definitely suspicious”.

The woman’s body was discovered near a playground in Buffalo Creek Reserve at Hunters Hill, on Sydney’s north shore, on Wednesday morning by a council worker.

The victim – who was found clothed – is yet to be identified. Forensic technicians are still searching the scene.

One man in the park on Wednesday, who was en route to visit relatives, said the secluded reserve had long needed better lighting and security cameras.

He said his parents had once encountered a “terrified” girl walking alone late at night and had given her a lift to nearby shops.

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“It is dangerous,” he said.

The woman’s body – discovered before 7.30am – was left covered for a number of hours on Wednesday.

A woman approached officers at the scene about midday and explained she had been walking her dogs in the park earlier in the morning. She was ushered beyond the police tape to speak with detectives.

Detective superintendent David Waddell said police were yet to identify the victim.

“There’s been no identification at this stage,” he told reporters in Sydney. “[But] we are treating [the death] as suspicious. At this stage, it’s definitely suspicious.”

Waddell refused to comment on media reports that drag marks stretching 30m were discovered near the woman’s body.