THE partly-burned body of a middle-aged man was discovered on open ground by a person out walking at the weekend.

The horrific discovery was made at Hoo Common, just off Elm Avenue, shortly before 4pm on Saturday.

Medway Police said the victim was believed to be a local man and a spokesman said: "There are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances and there appear to be no third parties involved."

The body was taken away by an undertaker and a post mortem examination and formal identification are due to take place.