THE community has reacted in shock after a body was discovered in a car engulfed in flames, police said.

Emergency services were called to a tackle a vehicle fire on land near to Salthouse Mills early yesterday morning.

But shortly after arriving police and fire crews discovered a body in the vehicle.

It is unknown whether the body was that of a man or a woman. Yesterday crime scene investigators could be seen at the scene and a community support officer was posted at the perimeter to stop members of the public getting close.

Officers confirmed an investigation was ongoing.

Roger Exley, fire station manager, said: “We attended a vehicle fire at 7.10am. We extinguished the fire and one person was found in the vehicle.

“One fire truck was mobilised for five hours. We left the scene just after 12pm.” The death is being treated as unexplained.

Cllr Martin McLeavy, who represents Roosecote, said: “Lump in ones throat is what comes to mind, obviously it is tragic and it is important we find out what happened. I am deeply sorry to the family of whoever this is, if there is anything the councillors can do, we will try our best to do it.”

Guy Davis, Chief Executive at Hiltongrove which owns Salthouse Mills, said the incident occurred adjacent to their land. He said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased.”

Barrovian Anne Lowther on Facebook said: "This is awful, thinking of not just the person and their family but also our emergency services who have to deal with this."