Bradford residents 'shocked' as body found in burnt-out car

The charred remains of the car were found on Long Lane - a quiet semi-rural road between Heaton and Shipley - on Monday.

West Yorkshire Police received a call from a member of the public at around 7.54am on Monday (February 19), who reported finding the burnt-out car.

Officers and the fire service rushed to the scene.

The death is currently being treated as unexplained whilst enquiries are carried out.

Councillor Mohammed Amran (Heaton, Lab) shared his thoughts and prayers with the deceased person's family.

He moved to reassure residents and said police have stepped up patrols and are "doing everything in their power".

'People are scared'

Cllr Amran said: “First of all my thoughts and prayers are with the deceased person’s family. 

“I would urge anyone who’s seen anything around there to get in touch. It might be something later but make sure you report that so at least the police can make some sense of it and do some enquiries. Hopefully, the truth comes out.

“I’ve had residents ringing me who are a bit upset and shocked. We’ve had many cars burned out but not with a body in the car. People are scared. It’s an area where a lot of kids and families walk. I’ve had some requests for extra street lighting. 

“The police stepped up patrols reassuring the community they’re doing everything in their power to find out what’s gone on with this incident. 

“My thoughts and prayers are with the family. It’s just such a sad moment. It shouldn’t happen to anyone’s family.

“I just urge anyone who knows anything about this incident to come forward. I assure our local community that police have reassured us that there's extra patrols and they will respond to matters as soon as possible.”

Police statement in full

In a statement released on Monday night, a spokesperson said: "Police are investigating after a body was found inside a burnt-out vehicle on Long Lane, Bradford.

"Officers were called at 7.54 this morning (19 February) and attended the scene alongside the fire service.
 
"A body was discovered inside the car.
  
"A scene is currently in place for forensic examination and to establish the full circumstances of what took place.
   
"The death is currently being treated as unexplained whilst enquiries are carried out.
   
"Officers would like to appeal to anyone who was in the area yesterday or overnight to come forward with any information.
   
"Any information can be given via 101 or www.westyorkshire.police.uk/livechat quoting log 230 of 19 February.
   
"Information can always be given anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."