DETECTIVES investigating the gruesome discovery of a man's badly-burned body in a secluded area of a Whitefield park believe the death is not suspicious.

A post-mortem was being held late yesterday (Thurs July 22) into the death of the 22-year-old who was found near a burnt-out Vauxhall Vectra in Springwater Park, close to Lily Hill Street.

Officers believe the victim, who had suffered extensive burns, lived in Cheetham. They have disclosed that the car had not been reported stolen and that there was evidence of an accelerant being used at the scene.

The grim discovery was made shortly before 8am on Wednesday (July 21) by a passer-by. The man's body lay close by the fire-ravaged vehicle which is believed to have been belonged to the 22-year-old.

Officers, who initially treated the death as suspicious, immediately sealed off all entrances to the park and a forensic team conducted a fingertip search and examination of the scene. Detectives were also joined by representatives from the fire service. The park re-opened after 5pm on Wednesday.

Yesterday afternoon, a Home Office pathologist was scheduled to conduct a post-mortem examination.

A statement from Greater Manchester Police said: "Police are keeping an open mind on the events leading to the death, but at this stage it is not believed to be suspicious."

Detective Inspector Simon Collier of Whitefield CID, who is leading the investigation, said they had established that the burnt-out Vauxhall Vectra had not been stolen. And he disclosed there was evidence of an accelerant having been used.

"At this stage, we are not looking for any third party," he added.

Because of the extensive burns on the body, police are liaising with the coroner to establish how best a full identification can be made.

Meanwhile, police are anxious to speak to anyone who has information regarding the incident. They are asked to contact Whitefield CID on 856 8243.