'Unimaginable tragedy': Courtney Herron's father speaks of family's grief

The family of Courtney Herron, who was brutally bashed to death in a Melbourne park, say they are grieving through an "unimaginable tragedy".

Courtney Herron was found dead in a Melbourne park. Source: AAP

The father of Melbourne woman Courtney Herron, who was brutally bashed to death in an inner-city park, says it's an "unimaginable tragedy" and has asked for privacy.

John Herron released a statement on Thursday, following the discovery of his 25-year-old daughter's body at Royal Park on Saturday.

"Our beloved Courtney was the victim of a fatal assault. A person is now in custody," the statement reads.

Courtney Herron Source: Supplied

"My daughter's death is an unimaginable tragedy for our family. Please respect our right to grieve in private."

Ms Herron's body was found in a Melbourne park on Saturday after what police called a "horrendous bashing".

Henry Richard Hammond, 27, has since been charged with her murder.

Ms Herron is the 20th woman to be killed in Australia this year, according to one count, and her death is part of a nationwide crisis of violence against women, say those campaigning for change.