Police say a motorcyclist who died after an alleged hit-and-run west of Melbourne last night knew the driver of the ute that hit him.
Homicide Squad detectives and the Major Collision Investigation Unit are investigating after the ute and motorbike collided on Woolpack Road in the Bacchus Marsh suburb of Maddingley about 7:15pm.
The motorcyclist died at the scene.
The male ute driver, who had two passengers travelling with him, allegedly failed to stop at the scene and drove down the road before pulling over.
The driver and one of his passengers were arrested and are assisting police with their inquiries.
The other passenger fled the scene on foot and is yet to make contact with police.
Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton said the Homicide Squad was investigating "due to certain circumstances that have been alleged to have occurred in regards to that crash".
"My understanding is they [the car driver and motorcyclist] had been involved and are known to each other," he said.
He said he could not provide further information while the investigation was underway "but it is a joint investigation under those circumstances regarding matters that may have occurred to initiate and relate to the collision".
Police blocked off about 3 kilometres of the road overnight as they investigated the crime scene.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone who witnessed the collision or who may have dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
