RESIDENTS have spoken of their shock at the discovery of a body inside a burning car close to a residential estate.

Emergency services were alerted to a fire in a lane leading to allotments from Success Road, in Shiney Row, near Houghton-le-Spring, at 12.50am on Tuesday.

After firefighters doused the flames they discovered there was a body in the car.

Resident Scott Emmerson, who raised the alarm, said: “My wife and I were woken by popping and bangs and small explosions.

“It kept getting louder and louder so I got myself dressed and walked into the lane out the back to see the car on fire.

“The fire brigade arrived in about five minutes and were extinguishing the fire when after about 20 minutes we heard more sirens, at which point an ambulance came.

“Obviously, myself and my wife thought it was more serious than a stolen car and then one after another about half a dozen police cars turned up.

“Police interviewed my wife at about 3am and we heard later this morning that a body was found in the car.”

He added: “We’ve had issues with motocross bikes on the field and down the path with young kids, but nothing as serious as a car burnt out where obviously somebody has died.

“It’s shocking to see it’s at the end of our street where our kids play. It’s a bit of a worry on your doorstep.”

A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: "At 12.50am police were informed a car was on fire at Success Road in Shiney Row, near Houghton-le-Spring, on Wearside, and the vehicle was located nearby.

"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."

Police have placed a cordon around an area of bridle way leading from Success Road past the Philadelphia allotments.

The Northern Echo:

Police cordon off an area near allotments in Shiney Row. Picture: Gavin Engelbrecht

An allotment holder, who did not wish to be named, said: "It's a very quiet and secluded area.

"It's a terrible shock to the neighbourhood that this type of thing has happened.

"The road goes down through to the allotments. I can't get any access to mine at the moment."

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.