Police have launched a murder inquiry after the burnt remains of a woman were found in Dummer, near Basingstoke, Hampshire.
A post-mortem examination established the body is that of a white woman who has never had a child, was approximately 5ft 6in and of slender build.
A police spokesman said that they can confirm that the body was burnt but were not releasing the exa
ct cause of death.
Detective Chief Inspector Gary O'Flaherty, from Hampshire Police's major crime department, said: "We are carrying out a wide range of inquiries to try to identify this woman and would ask anyone who may know who she is to get in touch.
"We are treating this woman's death as a murder and we need the public's help to assist us in identifying who was responsible for this vicious attack.
"We know the area of the Wayfarer's Way is very popular with dog walkers, runners and poachers and I would ask anyone who saw anything suspicious on Wednesday or Thursday, no matter how trivial it may seem, to contact the investigation team.
"I would also like to thank the residents of Dummer for their co-operation and assistance as we carry out our investigations and ask anyone who has not yet spoken to police to get in touch."
The quiet village is where the Duchess of York grew up and home to the family of socialite Tara Palmer-Tomkinson.
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