Police believe they know the identity of the man found in a burning car in Waitarere Beach Forest this morning but a post mortem and formal identification process needs to be completed before details can be released. This may take some days.
Police are able to say that the man is believed to be from the Palmerston North area, his family have been notified and support is being provided to them.
It is still too early to say whether the death of the man is suspicious, and Police are continuing to treat it as an unexplained death.
Initial scene examination involving ESR, Fire Service and Police, has been completed and the car has been removed from the scene to a secure location.
Police are interested in any activity in the vicinity of Waitarere Beach Forest between approximately 5.30am and 7.30am and. The car was located on a track in the forest approximately 2km from Waitarere Beach Road.
Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact Palmerston North Police on 06 351 3600.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.