Police probe Manly Vale death, car fire

Police are investigating whether a body found in Sydney's north is linked to a
suspicious car fire on the same street hours earlier.

A motorist discovered the man's body lying on the footpath on King Street, Manly
Vale, on Sydney's northern beaches, about 7am (AEDT) on Saturday.
Police say it's too early to determine a cause of death, or whether the man died at
the scene or was dumped there.
Acting Inspector Benjamin Parle told reporters on Saturday the victim did not appear
to have been wounded or physically injured.
"We are unsure (how he died) at this stage ... but it does not appear that the male
has any obvious injuries," he said.
Investigators believe the man is a Manly Vale local resident aged between 25 and 30,
although he hasn't been formally identified.
"The male is previously known to police ... we do believe we know who this person
is," Insp Parle said.
The fully clothed body was found with a number of personal items near a nursing home
on the residential street which neighbours described as "fairly quiet".
Hours earlier, residents were woken when a silver Nissan Pathfinder went up in
flames on the opposite side of the road about 4am (AEDT).
A NSW Fire Brigades spokesman said the car was alight when crews arrived, and the
fire appeared to have been deliberately lit.
Insp Parle said police weren't sure if the incidents were related.
"Obviously investigations are being conducted in relation to that vehicle," he said.
One neighbour told AAP he heard the sound of car tyres exploding and ran outside to
see the four-wheel drive in flames.
"It's pretty suss," he said.
"Nothing ever happens on this street. There is a primary school, a church and a
nursing home."
Many expressed disbelief at what had occurred as police cordoned off King Street for
hours and scoured for evidence.
"It's scary, I can't believe it," a woman told AAP.
"It's very unusual for around here ... I have lived here for 26 years and we have
never had anything like a dead body on the street."
Insp Parle urged anyone with information to come forward.
"We are appealing for any witnesses who may be able to assist us with this matter,"
he said.
"Any residents who heard anything or saw anything suspicious within the last 12 to
24 hours (should) contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000."