Burned-out car triggers homicide inquiry

Police have launched a homicide inquiry after a burned-out car was found in south Waikato yesterday.

The car, found 4km north of Mangakino, was believed to be a Nissan Primera belonging to Stephen George of Tirohanga, near Taupo.

Mr George lived in a farmhouse which burned down early on Sunday morning. A body was found in the ashes.

Firefighters discovered the badly burnt body of a man in a bedroom of the house, between Atiamuri and Mokai.

Tests have yet to determine the identity and cause of death and the cause of the fire remained unknown.

Mr George lived alone in the house.

Detective Sergeant Dave Beattie said police were alerted about 4pm yesterday to the discovery of the car.

"We are reasonably certain this vehicle may be the Nissan Primera belonging to Tirohanga resident Stephen George," Mr Beattie said.

"We have launched a homicide inquiry today, on the basis that the vehicle located is the vehicle belonging to Mr George.

"Should that be the case, then it is clearly connected to Mr George's address where the body was found on Sunday morning."

Police were treating the area in which the car was found a crime scene. They expected to know more after a scene investigation.

- NZPA