Man held over Southampton burnt-out car murder

Police have appealed for sightings of a silver two-door Mercedes C200 CDI

A 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder of a man whose body was discovered in a car fire in Hampshire.

Emergency services were first called to the fire in Chilworth Drove, Chilworth, at 01:30 BST on Tuesday.

Police are appealing for sightings of the silver Mercedes coupe hatchback car in the area on Monday.

Post-mortem tests showed the body was a young adult, although his identity is still not clear.

Ch Insp Rachel Farrell admitted initial examinations were inconclusive.

She said: "Further tests established that the male was dead before the fire was lit and obviously that leaves the only conclusion that this is a murder investigation.

"We're following up a number of leads to identify the victim, but at this stage I cannot categorically identify him."

The man was found on the back seat of the Mercedes, which was registered locally, and the front driver's side door was open.

Police said they were still in the early stages of a "complex investigation" and were expecting to make further arrests.

Ch Insp Farrell added: "There weren't any direct witnesses that we're aware of but residents in neighbouring houses heard explosions and the fire begin.

"The car was very much ablaze when the fire brigade arrived and was blocking the road.

"Once the fire was put out, the fire brigade became aware of a body in the rear of the vehicle."

Police want to talk to anyone who saw a person or people running from the scene, either back towards Chilworth or towards Lordshill, Rownhams or Bassett.

Officers believe the car was in Shirley on the night the incident happened.

They are looking at CCTV from the local area, including the neighbouring Chilworth Arms pub.