Young man found in burning car was 'most likely still alive' when blaze started

A young man whose body was found inside a burning car in Londonderry has been named as 18 year old Caoimhin Cassidy.

Initially, it was believed that the Mazda 6 car had caught fire as a result of the collision on Fairview Road on Saturday,

However the results from the post mortem examination show that Caoimhin was not seriously physically injured as a result of a crash.

Police have now confirmed they believe the 18 year old was in fact most likely still alive when the blaze started.

In a statment they said : "Our enquiries to date have established that the Mazda, registration NHZ4594, was stolen from a house in the Oakfield Crescent area earlier that same night. The car is known to have crossed the border into County Donegal a number of times before it was reported on fire at Fairview Road at 4.15am.

"We are appealing for the public’s help in determining the movements of the vehicle during the early morning hours of Saturday 1 June. We also need to urgently identify any individuals who may have been with Caoimhin on that fateful night.

"This was an appalling end to a young life and Caoimhin’s family and friends deserve to know how he died.

"Detectives can be contacted at Strand Road CID on 101 quoting reference number 316 01/06/19".