A father has expressed “deep regret” he was not there to prevent the alleged murder of his eight-year-old son, Brodie Moran, who died at a house at Tootgarook on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.

Lee Moran said at no point had he felt his son was in danger, and thanked police and medical services for their help at what he said was a “deeply saddening time”.

Police were called to a home on Alma Street at Tootgarook about 1:30pm last Thursday, where they found Brodie’s body.

Joanne Finch, 42, was arrested at the scene and later charged with one count of murder.

The relationship between Brodie and Ms Finch was not revealed in court, but neighbours told the ABC she was his mother, and that his father worked overseas.

“Although Joanne and I had separated in July 2015, I never stopped loving, caring and supporting my son both emotionally and financially,” Mr Moran said.

“Brodie and I had a weekly FaceTime session together when he would share with great enthusiasm all that he had done that week.”

Toys, flowers and notes were left outside the home where Brodie Moran’s body was found last week. Photo: ABC

He thanked the public for the heartfelt sympathy he received from old friends, parents and “strangers on the other side of the world”.

“People will always have their own assumptions as to what led up to my beautiful son’s death. But the truth is there is no other story,” he said in a statement released by Victoria Police.

“At no point did I, or anyone around Brodie and Joanne, feel that he was in danger.

“My deepest regret is that I wasn’t there to prevent his [alleged] murder.”

The principal of Brodie Moran’s primary school has said support is being offered to the community. Photo: Facebook

Mr Moran described his son as a “very loved, kind, considerate and caring boy”.

“If I could be half the person my son was I would be proud,” he said.

“He lived a life in his eight short years that many others may not live in a lifetime.”

He said he would always remember Brodie “with happiness of his warm cheeky smile and loving caring nature, and this is a gift he has left us all”.

Mr Moran has asked for privacy.

-ABC