MELBOURNE – Police are continuing to hunt for clues to unlock the mystery death of toddler Sanaya Shaib whose body was found in a creek in Melbourne’s north-east.

The 15-month-old little girl was found dead in Darebin Creek in Heidelberg West at 2.45am on Sunday, nearly 17 hours after her mother Sofina Nikat reported a “shoeless stranger smelling of alcohol” had abducted Sanaya.

Nikat, 22, told police she was pushing Sanaya’s pram in Olympic Park, when the man – described as being of African appearance, between ages of 20-30 and dressed in all black – approached and snatched the baby.

Nikat said she chased her baby’s abductor for a while, but couldn’t catch him so returned to her home with her empty pram to contact authorities.

Homicide detectives and forensic crews spent four hours searching the home of the murdered toddler last night.

Police remained at the Heidelberg West property, talking to family and checking discarded rubbish for any clues that may help in their investigations, up until just before 8pm.

Detectives are investigating all possibilities and will today doorknock streets in Melbourne’s north-east.

A post-mortem examination will be carried out on the body.

Anyone with information is being urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

– with other agencies