Police have launched a major investigation after human remains were discovered in a burnt-out car on a rural lane in North Yorkshire.
The gruesome discovery was made shortly after 4am on Monday, 16 June, on Marishes Lane, near Malton. The incident has prompted an urgent appeal for witnesses as detectives try to piece together what happened.
Unexplained Death and Possible Link to Earlier Crash
North Yorkshire Police confirmed that the death is currently being treated as unexplained, and formal identification of the remains has not yet taken place.
“A family in Ireland is being supported by specially trained officers,” a police spokesperson said.
Detectives are also probing a possible connection to a collision on the A169 Malton Road, which took place at approximately 11:10pm on Sunday night—just hours before the burnt-out vehicle was located.
The crash involved a black Vauxhall Astra and an unknown vehicle, between the A64 Malton interchange and Marishes Low Road. Fortunately, the Astra’s occupants were uninjured, but police have not confirmed whether the second vehicle involved is linked to the car found ablaze.
Roads Reopened, But Forensic Investigation Continues
Both Marishes Lane and the affected stretch of the A169 were closed while forensic teams examined the scene, though police confirmed that the roads have since reopened.
Witnesses and Dashcam Footage Sought
Officers are urgently appealing for anyone who may have seen the collision or the burning vehicle, or who has dashcam footage, to come forward.
“We are appealing for information after human remains were discovered in a burnt-out vehicle on Marishes Lane at around 4am,” a spokesperson said.
“The death is being treated as unexplained, and enquiries are at an early stage to establish the full circumstances.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting the relevant incident details.
