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 (Thursday) 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 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.

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

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.