A MANHUNT is on after a woman was burned alive in the boot of a car which was dumped in a lane near a golf club.

Police are still trying to identify the woman believed to be in her 20s, but her cause of death has been established as smoke inhalation, suggesting she was alive when the car was torched in Rusper Road, Crawley on Friday afternoon.

Surrey and Sussex’s Major Crime Team have been working around the clock all weekend and have since arrested a 34-year-old woman on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, but are seeking 26-year-old Christopher Jeffrey-Shaw in connection with the incident.

Detective Chief Inspector Karen Mizzi, of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, who is leading the investigation, said: "We need to urgently trace Christopher Jeffrey-Shaw in connection with this murder inquiry.

"A young woman has died in horrific circumstances. If anyone has any knowledge of where this man is or may know the identity of the victim, please come forward."

Firefighters were called to extinguish the car which had been abandoned in a lane which backs on to Ifield Golf and Country Club.

As they went about their duty just after 2pm, they made the grim discovery and the body was described to have suffered “extensive fire damage”.

DCI Mizzi added: "Also we would like to hear from anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously or the vehicle, a Volkswagen Jetta, in Rusper Road, Ifield on Friday between 2pm and 3pm.”

Christopher Jeffrey-Shaw, from the Lewisham area of London, is described as 6', of stocky build with dark hair, and has a stubbly goatee beard.

The 34-year-old woman from Dulwich, London, who was arrested on suspicion for conspiracy to murder, has been released on bail until March 30.

If you see Christopher Jeffrey-Shaw do not approach him. Phone Sussex police on 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting Operation Maderia or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.