The body of a suspected murder victim has been found near an abandoned concrete fuel tank in Edge Hill.

Police are investigating the death of a 56-year-old man whose body was found Tuesday afternoon on Collins Avenue. 

Authorities say an associate of the father of three found his body around 5pm on Tuesday afternoon before contacting police.

Detective Acting Inspector Edward Kinbacher says the circumstances surrounding the man’s death are ‘unusual’.

“This is a murder investigation until such time as we can establish any non-suspicious circumstance surrounding the death,” Det Act Insp Kinbacher says.

“The individual is suffering some injuries which cause us some concern.

“But again it’s pending the outcome of the post-mortem before we know if they’re of any consequence.”

The man had moved to Cairns from Victoria around 12 months ago to support family following the death of a relative.

His whereabouts between Sunday afternoon and when his body was found are unclear to police.

“Investigators are particularly interested in his movements from about 6pm [New Year’s Day] through to 6am on January 2,” Det Act Insp Kinbacher says.

“It is possible he was in the area of the car park on that night.

“Anyone who has attended the park in recent weeks and has information they feel may be relevant to his circumstances should contact us.”

Det Act Insp Kinbacher says it is uncertain how long the body had been behind the tank.

“We’ve got an open mind as to how long the body has been there,” he says.

“The post-mortem examination is crucial to how this investigation will unfold.

“We believe it is possible that he has been there from January 1st through to when he was found.

“Presently we can’t be any more specific than that.”

Authorities have chosen not to release the man’s name at this stage.