The search for a rightful owner of two World War I medals has hit a hurdle, with police turning to the public for help.
An old cardboard box containing the war medals was handed in to police after being found near the St Kilda Marina on Monday.
The British and Victory medals were awarded to William Hutchinson, who is believed to have been born in Ballarat in 1895 before leaving Australia for Cairo, Egypt in 1915.
King George V instituted the British Medal in 1919 to mark the end of WWI and record service given between 1914 and 1920.
The Victory Medal, emblazoned with the words "THE GREAT WAR FOR CIVILISATION" on the reverse, was also issued to certain allied force members who entered a theatre of war from 1914 to 1918.
Through inquiries with the RSL, Border Force and National Archives of Australia, police have established Mr Hutchinson's listed next of kin was his father, who also went by William Hutchinson.
He lived in Coburg, Richmond, Burnley and South Melbourne before his death.
Police have not been able to identify a living next of kin, releasing images of the medals in the hope they are recognised and can be returned to their rightful owner.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers.
