[P]olice are appealing for witnesses after a body was found in a car that was on fire in Sunderland.
Early this morning (12.50am) police were informed a car was on fire in Success Road in Shiney Row in Houghton.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service attended to extinguish the fire however in the course of doing so found a body in the vehicle.
The death is currently being treated as unexplained and enquiries are on-going.
Extra police are in the area as officers carry out enquiries to establish the circumstances and offer reassurance to local residents.
Anyone with information that may help is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101 quoting reference 39 150817 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.