Man dies after being found on fire in park in west London

13 June 2022, 14:00 | Updated: 13 June 2022, 19:41

Police are investigating a 'suspicious' death after a man was found on fire in a park in west London.

The Metropolitan police confirmed they were called to Belvue Park, Northolt, at 4.40am on Monday morning after concerned members of the public called emergency services.

Officers discovered the body on fire in the park and are continuing to carry out inquiries to identify the person and inform their next of kin.

The death is being treated as "suspicious" and detectives from the Met's Specialist Crime Command are leading the investigation.

A cordon remains in place at the scene whilst officers investigate.

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Detective Chief Inspector Claire Hine, the senior investigating officer, said: "This is a complex and fast-moving investigation and we are working to piece together the events that resulted in this person losing their life.

"Our top priority at this stage is identifying the person involved so their family can be informed.

"We are also carrying out house-to-house enquiries are reviewing CCTV to build a timeline of who was in the area at the time of the fire.

"Officers will be in the park for some time and I would like to thank the community for their understanding as we carry out our thorough investigation.

"I would also encourage anyone with information about what happened to come forward."

Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson, responsible for local policing in Ealing, said: "Like many people across Ealing I am shocked and saddened by this dreadful news and I recognise it will cause considerable concern in the community.

"I can assure you that we are doing all we can to work out what happened.

"There is no information at this time to suggest there is any wider risk as a result of this incident and I would ask the public to avoid speculating about the circumstances while our investigation takes place.

"An increased number of officers will be in the area over the coming days to provide reassurance and listen to your concerns."

A post-mortem examination will take place in the coming days.

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A spokesperson for London Fire Brigade said: "Firefighters were called to reports of a fire in a park on Rowdell Road in Northolt.

"Sadly, a person was pronounced dead at the scene.

"The Brigade was called at 4.19am and the incident was over for firefighters by 4.56am.

"One fire engine from Northolt Fire Station attended the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Brigade and the Metropolitan Police Service."

Anyone with information has been urged to call 101 quoting CAD 952/13Jun. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.