Body found in burnt-out car on Sunderland street as police launch investigation

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and Northumbria Police were called to Chatsworth Street in the city shortly before 4am on Wednesday, April 29.

After crews put out the blaze, the body of a man was discovered inside the vehicle; a Vauxhall Astra car.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “An investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, but there is not currently believed to have been any third-party involvement.

“The man’s next of kin have been informed. Officers remain at the scene to carry out a range of inquiries.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact us via the Tell Us Something page of our website quoting log 95 290420.”

A cordon remains in place in the street as of 9.30am on Wednesday, with a number of police vehicles and three tents also at the scene.

A Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman confirmed to the Echo that crews from two of its Sunderland stations arrived on the scene shortly after 3.50am on Wednesday.

She added: “Two crews from Farringdon and Sunderland Central were called out to a car fire in Sunderland at 3.47am, arriving on scene at 3.52am.

“A Vauxhall Astra was 100% severely damaged by fire. A police investigation is now ongoing.”

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