A murder investigation has been launched after the body of a man who ran a Tesco car wash was discovered in a fire-damaged car in Essex.

Police were called just before 5pm on Saturday, February 27 after the 30-year-old man’s body was found in a grey Audi A4 which was parked in Pincey Mead, near Basildon, Essex.

The man has been named as Vilson Meshi, who had lived in Pincey Mead, but was most recently residing in Glossop, north Derbyshire.

A post-mortem examination has given the provisional cause of death as smoke inhalation.

The murder investigation is being led by detective inspector Steve Ellis of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate.

He said: “This happened in a residential neighbourhood so I am hopeful someone will have seen or heard something.

“The vehicle has internal fire damage so I’m keen to speak to anyone who might have seen the vehicle or spotted anyone acting suspiciously in the area.

“I am appealing for witnesses or anyone with information who has yet to speak to police to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives on 101 or email scdappeals@essex.pnn.police.uk. Alternatively they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.