Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
A police investigation is underway in Havelock North after a body was located in a burnt out vehicle earlier today.
In a statement, police said the body was located in a burnt out vehicle in the River Road carpark in Havelock North ealier today.
The vehicle appeared to have been parked in the reserve, which was a popular spot for cyclists and dog walkers, for several days.
River Road was closed and a scene guard would remain in place overnight while police investigated the area.
A scene examination was underway and a post-mortem was expected to be completed tomorrow.
"While we are treating the death as unexplained, we are in the very early stages of understanding what has happened to our victim," Detective Inspector David de Lange said.
Anyone with information which could assist the police investigation is urged to contact police on 105 and quote event number P051805886.