POLICE have arrested two people in connection with the death of a man whose burned body was found on moorland.

A spokesperson said they were still trying to identify the victim and appealed to Asian communities across East Lancashire for information.

She said a man aged 36 and a 33-year-old woman had been arrested today. They were both from the Bolton area.

Meanwhile, police revealed that the victim, who was Asian and aged between 18 and 30, died from severe head injuries.

The spokesperson said: "We have no idea who this man is and we would appeal to anyone, and particularly people in the Asian communities, who have any information to contact us."

Detectives launched a murder-style inquiry following the grim discovery of the body between Chorley Old Road and Rivington Pike on Sunday at 10.20am. Police said it had been found in a field by two boys aged 14 and 15 who were cycling past. "A motorist had earlier seen flames in the area." the spokesperson added.

The victim is described 5ft 7in, slim, with short dark hair which had a Nike 'tick' emblem shaved at the back. He also had parallel lines shaved in his moustache.

He was wearing a beige ribbed fleece, a navy blue and beige cotton jumper and black elasticated-waist trousers,

He also wore size eight black moccasin-style shoes, dark socks with light-coloured hoops and a Lorus Fusion watch with a metal strap.

A post-mortem examination has established that the man died from severe head injuries.

The spokesman added: "It's possible the injuries could have been inflicted elsewhere, and we are investigating this."

A key-ring has also been found at the site which carried small pictures of children.

Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen anything suspicious in the hours leading up to the grim discovery to contact them on 0161 8568379.