Police investigate burnt out car

Police have called in expert crime scene investigators to a burnt out vehicle near kaikoura which may contain human remains.

Detective Sergeant Dave Woodley said there were possibly human remains in the car, but that could not be confirmed until an investigation had been completed. The vehicle had been badly damaged by fire.

Staff from Environmental Science and Research, which provides forensic science services to the police, were travelling from Christchurch, Woodley said.

A scene examination would be carried out to determine if there was a  body in the car, and if so the deceased's identity, the cause of death and whether there is any criminal culpability, he said.

A member of the public reported the vehicle on a side road, Kiwa Rd, off State Highway 1 about 15 km north of Kaikoura, this morning. It was unclear how long it had been there.

The car is on a grassy verge between Kiwa Rd and the beach. A reporter at the scene said the car was not visible from SH1 and obscured by bushes from Kiwa Rd.

Marlborough and Kaikoura police secured the scene, placing tarpaulins over the car.

It has been raining at the scene today.

The scene would be guarded overnight.

Kiwa Rd provides access to a popular surfing spot, the Meatworks. 

- The Marlborough Express