Belvue Park: Body found on fire in Northolt is ‘suspicious’, police say

A body has been found on fire in a park in west London, police in Ealing have said.

Detectives have launched an investigation and said the death is “suspicious”.

Firefighters called the Met Police to Belvue Park, in Northolt, in the early hours of this morning (Monday, June 13), following calls from the public.

The body of a person, at this stage believed to be a male, was discovered at the scene just after 4.30am.

They have not yet been identified, or their next of kin informed.

Det Ch Insp Claire Hine, the senior investigating officer, explained the priority was identifying the person who died.

She 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.”

The senior officer said the crime scene would be in place for the foreseeable future.

She explained: "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."

The post-mortem examination will be carried out in the coming days, Scotland Yard said.

Ch Supt 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 spokesperson for the 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.”

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called at 4.58am on June 1 to reports of an incident at Belvue Park, Northolt.

“We sent a paramedic in a response car to the scene. Sadly, a person had already died.”

Anyone with information that could help the investigation is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 952/13Jun. To remain anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.