A body has been found next to a burned-out car in Muriwai. 

Police say they are still trying to piece together the circumstances of the death after the discovery at the popular west Auckland beach by fire crews. 

A police spokesperson said they were called to the scene by Fire and Emergency after the fire on Jack Butt Lane at 8.34am. 

“The fire has been extinguished and a person’s body has been located next to the vehicle. 

Police at the scene of a burned-out vehicle located at Muriwai. Photo / Dean Purcell 

“The immediate area has been cordoned off for a scene examination to be carried out.” 

A woman walking her dogs at Muriwai this morning said she saw a man “in baggy clothing” circling the car, a Toyota Prius, moments before it exploded. 

“He was pacing around… my dog went up to him and he looked really angry, I thought he might have a reactive dog he was trying to get out of the car or something”. 

Police are in attendance at a car fire in Muriwai this morning. 

She then smelt the “very strong smell” of petrol, so strong she couldn’t breathe. 

She said she ran about 40 metres, to the opposite side of the surf club, before she heard the massive explosion behind her. 

“I didn’t look, I just grabbed the dogs and kept on running.” 

She said the man was right next to the car moments before it exploded and doubted he would have had time to run away. 

Police said they will be carrying out enquiries into the circumstances of the fire. 

Police at the scene of a burned-out vehicle at Muriwai. Photo / Dean Purcell 

“As these enquiries are still in the very early stage, we are unable to comment further at this stage. 

“Police ask that anyone in the area this morning with information make contact.” 

You can update Police online now or call 105 using the reference number P062750420.