Major breakthrough: Man arrested nearly 50 years after two women were brutally murdered in a long-running case that shocked Australia

A man has been arrested for the brutal murders of two Australian women, following a police investigation that spanned nearly five decades and several continents.

Suzanne Armstrong, 27, and Susan Bartlett, 28, were found dead in their Easey Street home in Collingwood, in central Melbourne, on January 13, 1977.

The women, who had last been seen alive three days earlier, had been stabbed multiple times.

Mrs Armstrong had a 16-month-old son, who was found unharmed in his crib by police when they discovered the women’s bodies.

The homicide squad’s tireless investigation over the past 47 years culminated in the arrest of a 65-year-old man at Rome airport on Thursday evening.

Police want to extradite the man, who has dual Australian and Greek nationality, to Australia.

Chief Superintendent Shane Patton said the Easey Street killings had always been a priority for Victoria Police.

“This was a crime that struck our community at the heart: two women in their own home, where they should have felt safest,” he said.

Suzanne Armstrong, pictured with her son Gregory Armstrong, was murdered in 1977 at her home on Easey Street in Collingwood, in central Melbourne.

Mrs Armstrong’s housemate, Susan Bartlett (pictured), was also killed in the attack

Chief Superintendent Shane Patton (pictured) said the Easey St murders had always been a priority for Victoria Police

‘While we are not there yet, this arrest is an important breakthrough.

‘I would also like to acknowledge the continued resilience of the Armstrong and Bartlett families, who have been grieving for over forty years and for whom this will undoubtedly be a very emotional time.

“I hope this arrest brings you closer to the answers you so deserve and have waited so long for.”

The chief commissioner thanked the homicide squad officers and specialist staff who ‘worked tirelessly to find answers and hold those responsible for these deaths to account.’

In January 2017, police offered a $1 million reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever was responsible for the women’s deaths.

The investigation is still ongoing.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.