Police investigation underway after discovery of body in burning car

Rotorua Police are investigating the discovery of a body in a burning car just south of Rotorua yesterday morning.

The officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Loper from Rotorua Police, says the fire service were called to a rural forestry area off Tumunui Rd at approximately 9:25am this morning.

"They arrived to find the car well ablaze. When the fire was out, members of the Fire Service located a body inside the car and notified Police."

Detective Senior Sergeant Loper says Police are currently treating the death as suspicious and a Police investigation is underway.

He says a scene examination will be undertaken by members of Police and ESR this afternoon.

The Police investigation is at a very early stage, and no other details are available at this time.