4 Nov 2020

Man arrested after body found in burning car in Manurewa

5:42 pm on 4 November 2020

A man has been arrested and charged with arson after a body was found in a burning car in South Auckland this morning.

Unexplained death in Taita, Lower Hutt early on Sunday 26th January 2020.  A Police cordon and crime scene invetsigation tent were in place Monday 27th January 2020.  Police Emergency tape.

File photo Photo: RNZ / Patrice Allen

The White 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander was found alight on Alfriston Road, Manurewa about 3am.

The body was discovered after fire crews put out the blaze.

While a homicide investigation is ongoing, a 31-year-old man has been arrested and charged with arson.

He was due to appear in the Manukau District Court today.

Police said that while the investigation was still in the early stages, they could not rule out further arrests in this case.

Detective Inspector Chris Barry of Counties Manukau.

Detective Inspector Chris Barry of Counties Manukau. Photo: RNZ / Liu Chen

They were working to identify the body, they said, with a post-mortem examination to take place tomorrow - however, a formal identification may take some time.

Police have also been conducting an area canvas and speaking with people in the area.

The death is believed to be an isolated incident.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Counties Manukau Police on (09) 261 1321 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.