Man found dead in burning car named

File photo / NZ Herald

Police have named a man who was found dead in a burning car near Levin, just days after a similar incident south of Rotorua.

The body of Dick Illya Tikirau Pere, 43, from Palmerston North was found in Waitarere Beach Forest, about 15km northwest of Levin, at 7.20am on Wednesday after police received reports of smoke coming from the forest.

His death is being treated as unexplained and an investigation has been launched.

Police have asked anyone who saw Mr Pere or the silver Daewoo Nabira any time between 1am and 7.20am on Wednesday to contact them on 06 351 3600.

Firefighters also found a body in a burning car on Tumunui Rd south of Rotorua, at 9.25am on Saturday.

A post-mortem examination carried out on that body was unsuccessful at identifying the sex of the deceased because of the extent of the burns.

Police were now awaiting results of a further DNA test which are expected by next Monday for more information.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Loper said police had spoken to family and friends of a missing person who were helping them with an investigation.

The incident would be treated as suspicious until testing proved otherwise, he said.

- NZ Herald staff