Sexual Crimes Squad detectives are investigating whether a young female jogger was assaulted after she went missing for more than 24 hours in central Victorian bushland.

Patrolling police officers spotted the 18-year-old woman in a car in Maiden Gully, near Bendigo, on Thursday afternoon.

A crime scene was established around the vehicle, after the teenager was found about 15km away from a search site, about 4.50pm, and was taken to hospital.

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An air and ground search was launched after she failed to return from a jog in the One Tree Hill area of the Greater Bendigo National Park at about 3pm on Wednesday.

Police, the air wing, search and rescue units using trail bikes, mounted police, the dog squad, State Emergency Service personnel and volunteers spent Thursday searching the area.

She was last seen about 3pm on Wednesday jogging near La Trobe University’s Bendigo campus.

Detective Senior Sergeant Rod Stewart said the university student was found in a car and was taken to hospital.

“We believe at this stage she’s been assaulted and we’re investigating that,” he told ABC Statewide Drive.

“A male is assisting us with our inquiries … detectives are at the scene.”

A Bendigo man in his 30s is in police custody.

The exact circumstances regarding how the girl came to be in Maiden Gully are still to be determined, police said.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

– with AAP