Police say it could be several days - or longer - before the body found in burning car near Waihola yesterday is identified.
In a statement today, police said the body had been removed from the scene and a post-mortem was expected to be held in Dunedin this afternoon.
Forensics and dental records would be used to identify the person, it said.
The body was discovered in the front driver's seat of a Ford Focus when volunteer firefighters arrived at a car fire on Taieri Ferry Rd yesterday morning.
Acting Detective Inspector Colin Blackie said a driver passing the scene - about 1.5km from the intersection of Taieri Ferry Rd and State Highway 1 - saw the vehicle on fire about 6.30am.
Despite firefighters' best efforts, the car was burnt out.
The Milton Volunteer Fire Brigade and Waihola Rural Fire Force attended the incident for about three hours.
The scene examination has been completed and the road re-opened about 5.30pm.
Police are seeking information about a red Ford Focus hatchback travelling on State Highway 1 between Henley-Berwick Rd and Titri Rd early yesterday.
Anyone with information should call the Dunedin police station (03) 471-4800 or Crimestoppers 0800 555-111.
