The 71-year-old grandmother was first reported missing from her Sydney Road home on January 19 last year.

Workers from Campbellfield chemical cleaning company Envirochem Technologies found the body last Tuesday when they opened the barrel after noticing a foul smell.

The circumstances surrounding Mrs Amenta's death remained unknown when the Hume Weekly went to press but homicide Inspector Stephen Clarke confirmed police were interviewing her husband and sons.

He also confirmed that police had raided the Sydney Road property on Wednesday and had found another barrel.

He called for public assistance to identify the origin of the barrel found in the creek. Another similar barrel has been placed in a similar spot near the Camp Road bridge in an attempt to trigger the memory of any potential witnesses.

''As we have now identified the body, it is vital for the investigation that we know when the barrel was first seen in the creek,'' he said.

''We're calling on anyone who walked by here at some stage and saw the barrel to contact us.''

The barrel has a manufacturer's stamp on it that reads ''Hi Tech; Bangalore'' and also has chalk inscriptions near the lid including ''Bat - 40'' and ''Bar - 12''

It is believed the barrel was first seen on October 19 on the banks of Merlynstone Creek by a passer-by at the northern end of Jack Roper Reserve. Two days later on October 21 it was pulled from the creek by cleaning contractors and on October 24 it was taken to the Envirochem factory.

Last Tuesday two crime scenes were set up, where SES and police searched for clues - one at the reserve and the other at the factory in Merola Way.

Police were still awaiting an autopsy report when the Hume Weekly went to press.

Homicide detective Sergeant Peter Trichias said police had been shocked by the case.

''For a body to be discarded this way is pretty gruesome,'' he said.

''We are appealing for people to come forward if they saw any suspicious vehicles - particularly along the creek bed where the bridge is,'' he said.

He said police had spoken to workers at the factory, who had been ''shocked'' by the find.

Information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au