The investigation into the body located inside a burnt out vehicle in Longlands on Tuesday has been upgraded to a Homicide inquiry.
Detective Inspector Marty James, Eastern District Crime Manager says "Police are following strong lines of enquiry after we were called to a vehicle fire on Irongate Road West, Tuesday night."
The formal identification process remains ongoing, as such we aren't in a position to release any information about the deceased, including the cause of death.
"We are continuing to piece together what happened and it is only a matter of time before we identify and locate those involved.
"This was an abhorrent act and we are determined to hold those responsible to account." Says Detective Inspector James.
A large team of investigators are working to find answers for the deceased's whanau including determining what occurred.
