POLICE have a launched an investigation after a man’s body was discovered in a burning car in Co. Armagh.
Damage was also caused to a nearby property during the incident, which occurred in Portadown on Saturday evening.
Police are now working to establish the cause of the fire.
Blaze
“At approximately 10pm on Saturday evening, August 8 we received a report of a car on fire in the Harford Street area of the town,” said Chief Inspector Tierney of the PSNI.
“Officers attended alongside colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service who extinguished the fire.
“Ammunition Technical Officers (ATO) were also tasked to the scene to conduct relevant enquiries — we can confirm there is no risk to the public.
“Significant damage was caused to the car, as well as a number of windows smashed and scorch damage observed to a neighbouring property in the area.
“Sadly, we can confirm the body of a man was located inside the vehicle.
“He was pronounced deceased at the scene and a post-mortem examination will be carried out in due course to determine the cause of death.
“The circumstances surrounding what happened are still under investigation and enquiries are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.”
‘Speculation helps no one’
Carla Lockhart, DUP MP for Upper Bann, described the news of the incident as ‘a very sad morning for Portadown’.
“First and foremost, my thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of the deceased,” she said.
“Behind this news is a family facing the most devastating circumstances, and they should be very much in our thoughts this morning.”
She added: “I would appeal to everyone to please avoid speculation on social media, particularly around the identity of the deceased or the circumstances surrounding what has happened.
“Speculation helps no one and can cause enormous additional distress to a family at an already incredibly difficult time.”
Anyone who was in the area and witnessed what happened is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1764 of August 8.
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