THE discovery of a body in the boot of a blazing car is being treated as a gangland-style killing.

Firefighters discovered the body in the boot after being called to deal with a Subaru car which had been set on fire after being abandoned in a remote lane on the outskirts of Bury.

The body was discovered shortly before 11pm last night after firemen had brought the fire under control.

Griffe Lane, Unsworth - just 200 yards from he M66 motorway - was sealed off throughout Sunday night. Forensic officers searched the scene for clues.

A senior police officer said: "The body was very badly burned. At this stage it is impossible to say whether or not it is a man or a woman."

He said the incident is being treated as a murder inquiry adding that it had all the hallmarks of a "gangland-style" killing.

The body was in the closed boot of the car, which is understood to have false registration plates.

Fire officers believe the car was doused in petrol before being set alight.

A Home Office pathologist was called to the scene to examine the body.

Further tests are to be carried out to find out the identity of the victim.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said that the incident was being treated as suspicious.

Griffe Lane from its junction with Castle Road, and adjoining routes leading to the scene, were still sealed off on Monday lunchtime.

The lane is surrounded by farmland.

A mobile police station has been set up in the surrounding area. Detectives are keen to speak to anyone who travelled along Griffe Lane from 6pm on Sunday night.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 4647.