- Catherine Wells-Burr's remains were found in a Ford Focus in Ashill, Somerset, on Wednesday
- Business analyst, from Chard, Somerset, graduated from Bath Spa University with a first-class degree
- Detectives appeal for witnesses, describing the killing as 'tragic and brutal'
By Rob Preece
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Killed: Business analyst Catherine Wells-Burr was the victim of a 'tragic and brutal' murder, police said
A graduate whose body was found in a burning car was the victim of a 'tragic and brutal' murder, detectives believe.
The remains of business analyst Catherine Wells-Burr, 23, were discovered in a Ford Focus by firefighters on Wednesday morning.
Crews had been called to reports of a car on fire in a lane in Ashill, off the A358 near Ilminster, Somerset, shortly before 6.30am.
Today Avon and Somerset Police revealed that they were treating the woman's death as suspicious and a murder inquiry had begun.
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Crisp said: 'This is a tragic and brutal incident in which a young woman has needlessly lost her life.
'We are working to establish what happened in the early hours of yesterday morning that led to this car being set ablaze.
'I would like to appeal to anyone with any information about this incident to get in touch with us no matter how small you think that piece of information may be.
'In particular I'd like to speak to any motorists who were in the area around the time who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously or anyone crossing the A358.
'It is also very important that we speak to all of Catherine's friends and associates who she may have socialised with, as well as anyone else who may have any knowledge about her social and private life.'
Sealed off: A policeman guards a white tent erected by forensic officers at the site where Ms Wells-Burr's body was discovered
Ms Wells-Burr, who lived in Chard, Somerset with her family, studied business management at Bath Spa University and passed with first-class honours.
She went on to work as a business analyst at Chard manufacturing firm Numatic International, which produces the Henry range of vacuum cleaners.
It is understood that she was recently in a relationship with a colleague, Rafal Nowak. There is no suggestion that Mr Nowak is a suspect.
Speaking at a press conference at Taunton police station, Mr Crisp said detectives were keeping an open mind on the motive for Ms Wells-Burr's death.
'One of the theories is that she knew her killer,' he said. 'Anything is possible and you dismiss things at your peril.'
Ms Wells-Burr (right) is understood to have been in a relationship with colleague Rafal Nowak (left). There is no suggestion that Mr Nowak is a suspect
Ms Wells-Burr and Mr Nowak are understood to have worked together at a company in Chard, Somerset
Mr Crisp told reporters: 'I am making a double appeal today. Firstly, for those people that may have witnessed Catherine and her red Ford Focus arriving at the scene which is alongside the A358 near Ilminster.
'Did anybody see that car arrive? Did anybody see suspicious people arrive or leave the scene at about 6am to 6.30am on a busy road? We need you to call us.
'The second part of the appeal is to help us understand Catherine's private and social life.
'Did she know her killer is the question that we're asking ourselves.
'Did she arrange to meet somebody at the location where she met her death? These are the things we are seriously considering.
Ms Wells-Burr pokes her tongue out as she poses for a picture with Mr Nowak
Intelligent: Ms Wells-Burr, who lived in Chard, Somerset with her family, studied business management at Bath Spa University and passed with first-class honours
'Please don't leave it to others to tell us, call us immediately.'
Mr Crisp said a post mortem examination was yet to take place and he was unable to say whether she died in the fire or beforehand.
'I believe we are still searching for the offenders," he said. 'At this moment there is not a specific person we are looking for.
'We are working on the theory that she possibly knew the attacker. We do not think this is a random attack but we are not ruling it out.'
Maurice Hicks, head teacher of Holyrood Academy in Chard where Miss Wells-Burr was a former pupil, spoke of his shock at the news.
'Everyone at Holyrood Academy is deeply saddened and shocked to hear the news about Catherine,' he said. 'She is warmly remembered as a very friendly young person, gregarious and with a great sense of humour.
'Catherine always had a smile and a positive outlook. She was very popular with the other students and had lots of friends.
'Our sincere condolences go to her family and friends at this difficult time.'
A friend of Ms Wells-Burr, who asked not to be named, said: 'I found out this morning and I feel sick. I can't concentrate and I can't work.
Looking for evidence: Policemen search for clues close to where Catherine Wells-Burr's body was found in a burning car (left) while a police community support officer guards the scene (right)
Major operation: Police closed the road while officers searched the scene for clues that could lead them to Ms Wells-Burr's killer
'I've known her for years and she was a lovely girl. Really sweet. I only spoke to her the other day.
'This sort of thing shouldn't happen to anyone, especially not her, she was the nicest girl.
'Whoever did this was evil, pure and simple.'
Other friends posted messages on social networks in tribute to Ms Wells-Burr.
One Twitter user wrote : 'Lost for words. RIP Catherine, such a lovely young lady 3 :('.
Another tweeted: 'It's bad that it takes a death in the family to realise how important friends&family really are. Never take advantage of anyone! :( ripcatherine Sick to my stomach'.
A third wrote: 'Today is one of those days where I'm counting my blessings and appreciating my life & family & life generally. Rest in peace Catherine. Xx'.
A message posted on Facebook read: 'R.I.P Catherine Wells Burr..you will be sadly missed she was a really lovely person who would look after me at school and was a good friend..x x x'.
Murder inquiry: Police forensic officers, pictured in white overalls, investigate the scene of the killing
Another life snatched away, there is no deterrent in this country
- joycey , BIRKENHEAD, United Kingdom, 13/9/2012 18:12
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