A murder investigation has been launched after a body was found in a dumped burning car.

Shortly after 2pm yesterday (Friday March 13), a Volkswagen Jetta car parked close to Ifield Golf Club in Rusper Road in Ifield near Crawley was reported to be on fire.

When fire crews attended, they found a body in the boot of the car.

Detectives are now trying to identify the body.

They are yet to determine the gender.

The vehicle suffered extensive fire damage.

A post-mortem on the body is due to take place later today.

A 34-year-old woman from Dulwich, London, has been arrested on suspicion for conspiracy to murder and is currently in custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Jason Taylor from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime, said: "We are treating this as a murder investigation and are following several lines of enquiry.

"Anyone who has any information about the car or saw it being abandoned and set on fire is asked to contact police."

Email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting Operation Maderia, call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.