Body found in burnt out car in West Bromwich
A man's body has been discovered in a burnt-out car in West Bromwich this morning by emergency services.
Police were alerted by the Fire Service at just after 7.30am to the fire in Wattle Road and the discovery of the body in a red Mazda.
Detectives have cordoned off the scene while forensic evidence is collected and officers are going door to door to ask what neighbours may have heard or seen.
Residents described hearing two bangs early this morning, the first louder than the other. One resident, who did not wish to be named, then described seeing flames spilling out of the windows of the smoking car before firefighters brought the blaze under control.
The car was removed under a blue plastic mat by a tow truck by around midday today. A field has been cordoned off from the public, over which throngs of school children would normally walk to Ryders Green Primary School and George Salter Collegiate Academy, on Claypit Lane on the opposite side of the field. The only reason today was any different was due to half-term.
Investigating officer Detective Inspector Bob Hazel said: "We would like to hear from anyone who saw the red Mazda in the area early this morning or who witnessed the blaze."
The man has not been identified at this stage and will undergo a forensic post mortem in due course.
Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
