FIREFIGHTERS found a body inside a blazing car in a Hampshire village.

Police were called to Chilworth Drove in Chilworth near Southampton in the early hours of today after firefighters who had been tackling the blaze became aware of a body inside the vehicle.

Detectives are now investigating the cause of the fire at 1.30am today and the circumstances leading up to it.

The scene has been cordoned off and officers are continuing house-to-house inquiries in the area until this evening.

The coroner has been informed of the death and a post mortem examination is due to take place this afternoon.

Police are appealing for witnesses.

Anyone who saw the blaze or anything suspicious in the area, should ring 101 quoting Operation Wedgewood or the Crimestoppers charity line on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.