DETECTIVES are investigating the discovery of a man's badly burned body dumped in moorland near Bolton.

The grim discovery was made in a field next to George's Lane, Horwich, yesterday.

The man suffered extensive burns. He was found shortly before 10.30am on land which runs between Chorley Old Road and Rivington Pike.

The death is being treated as suspicious and it is believed the injuries he suffered made him unrecognisable.

Witnesses saw a small fire burning in the field on Saturday night but were unaware it was a man's body.

A post mortem examination was carried out last night to find out how the man died but the results have not yet been released.

George's Lane was closed off from the junction with Chorley Old Road and forensic scientists spent several hours at the scene yesterday.

Nick Jackson, aged 41, from Queensgate, Bolton, was driving along George's Lane at about 9pm on Saturday when he saw a small fire in the field.

He said: "I just thought someone had lit a small bonfire and had no idea what it was. I can't believe it was a body. I am very shocked. It is quite a remote area and is used by courting couples. I didn't see anything suspicious in the area."

Police have issued a detailed description of the man.

He was aged between 18 and 30, about 5ft 6in to 10in, slim build, with short hair, goatee beard and moustache.

The man was dressed a beige shalwar kameez shirt which is a part of traditional Asian dress, a beige ribbed fleece, navy blue and beige cotton jumper, black tracksuit bottoms, possibly Adidas, which were elasticated and zipped at the ankle and black socks with hoop shapes on.

He was also wearing black moccasin size eight shoes with a silver buckle and a Lorus Fusion style watch with metallic strap and four button winders.

Anyone with information about the man's identity or the incident is asked to call 0161 8720 5050.