A MURDER investigation has been launched after a body was reportedly found in a burned-out car near the Herefordshire border.

Police were called to reports of a vehicle fire in Cotheridge, a village on the A44 between Bromyard and Worcester.

A man in his 60s, was found in the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 51-year-old man was arrested yesterday (Sunday, December 13) on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Peters said: “This is clearly a very serious and tragic incident that has seen a man lose his life and our thoughts are very much with his family and friends at this sad time.

“There is currently a scene guard in place at the layby on Ankerdine Road in Cotheridge where this tragic incident took place.

"There is an increased police presence in the area as we carry out our enquiries and I would like to thank local residents for their co-operation and understanding for any disruption as we do this.

Hereford Times: At the scene of the murder inquiry near Cotheridge todayAt the scene of the murder inquiry near Cotheridge today

"At the current time we do not believe there is any risk to the wider public.”

“A murder investigation has been launched with a number of initial lines of enquiries and we would ask anyone who has information they think could help with our investigation to let us know, or report this information to Crimestoppers anonymously.

OTHER NEWS:

“We are asking anyone with any information, including dash cam footage of a black BMW X5 travelling between Stoney Lane in Broadwas to Ankerdine Road during 5pm and midnight on Saturday, December 12, in particular between 9pm and 9.30pm on Stoney Lane, Broadwas, and the immediate area.

Hereford Times: Light fades, with the police still present at the site near the Herefordshire-Worcestershire border where the body of a man was found in a carLight fades, with the police still present at the site near the Herefordshire-Worcestershire border where the body of a man was found in a car

"We are also asking for any dashcam footage from any members of the public who were travelling on the Ankerdine Road, from Upper Broadheath towards Broad Green, as well as footage from those travelling along the A44, Broadwas, Cotheridge and Ankerdine Road areas during the hours of 5pm to midnight on Saturday, December 12.”

Footage can be sent to Major Incident Public Portal quoting reference 745 of 12 December or can be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.