A burnt body was discovered at the Sainsbury's store in Bath Road, Chippenham, in the early hours of this morning.

The body was burnt beyond recognition and police are now investigating.

Both entrances to the supermarket have been sealed off while police carry out their work, and the store is expected to be closed for the rest of the day. 

Some traffic chaos was caused this morning as customers tried to enter the store, and people are now being advised to stay away.

In a statement police said: "At approximately 3am this morning a dog handler on a routine patrol discovered a fire in part of the Sainsbury’s car park in Bath Road, Chippenham.

"The fire service attended, extinguished the fire and the area was cordoned off.

"Once the fire was put out, the police discovered a body within the debris.

"It is too early to say whether this incident is suspicious but enquiries continue."

A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said the store was shut and everything possible was being done to help police.

Police are asking for anyone who was in the area of the Sainsbury’s car park between midnight and 3am to come forward and speak to them.

Anyone with information should call 101 or, anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police say they are still unsure if the death is suspicious or not, and that they are pursuing all lines of inquiry.


Sector inspector for Chippenham Martin Schorah said: “I can confirm that we are dealing with a badly burned body.
 

“This was discovered by an officer on foot patrol after we received a call from night guards at Sainsbury’s.”


Jess Dick, who was staying in Taunton Close with her 17-month-old daughter last night, said she was shocked by the discovery.


“This is such a safe and quiet place to live, so it’s really shocking,” she said.


Police have confirmed that the bodt us that of an adult after speculation that it could be missing 12-year-old Tia Sharpe.
Tia was last seen leaving her grandmother's home in New Addington, south-east London, at around midday on Friday after telling relatives she was going to the Whitgift Centre in Croydon town centre.