Body found in burnt-out vehicle

This 1989 silver Subaru station wagon was found burnt-out and with a body inside yesterday afternoon. Photo / supplied

Police are investigating a suspicious death after a body was found inside a burnt out car in North Canterbury yesterday.

The 1989 silver Subaru station wagon was discovered at around midday yesterday by a group of four-wheel drive enthusiasts in a shingled area at the southern end of Dunlops Rd, near Loburn.

"The vehicle has been very badly burnt, as has the body, which was located in the driver's seat of the car," said Detective Senior Sergeant Brian Archer

"At present we are unable to confirm the identity of the deceased. We are treating the death as suspicious at this stage."

The area is known for off-road and four-wheel drivers and police are appealing for information about sightings of the car between Thursday afternoon and Sunday.

"It is possible that people using the four-wheel drive tracks in the area may have seen the burnt-out car over the past few days and we urge them to contact police as soon as possible," said Archer.

A scene examination is underway and the body will be removed this afternoon, police said.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Christchurch police on (03) 363 7400 or call anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.