Body, human remains found in burned out cars in North Parramatta, Royal National Park

Police are investigating if shots were fired in North Parramatta moments before one of two bodies were found inside burned out cars on opposite sides of Sydney overnight.

The death of a businessman found in a burnt out car in Parramatta is being investigated as a possible murder, with police probing links between his death and his car dealership.

Police said the body of a 56-year-old man was discovered in a burning Ford Fiesta on Webb St about 2.15am on Tuesday, as horrified locals rushed out after hearing what they said sounded like gunshots before finding the car on fire and the man’s body inside.

While Homicide detectives are assisting local detectives, the possibility the man may have taken his own life or died in an accident have not been ruled out – and it may be days before a cause of death is known.

As police began the investigation into the man’s death, the discovery of a second man’s body in eerily similar circumstances in a burnt out car at Waterfall, near the Royal National Park south-west of the city, is not believed to be linked.

Police sources said while the investigation is ongoing, that man was known to be homeless and living in his car.

The remains have been sent for forensic examination. Picture: 7NEWS

Police remained at the Waterfall crime scene on Tuesday morning. Picture : NCA Newswire / Gaye Gerard

Fire crews were called to North Parramatta about 2.15am before alerting police when they extinguished the blaze and noticed the man’s body inside.

John Buckingham, a resident on the street, said he heard “bang, bang, bang, (like) three gunshots” before coming out of his home to see the car on fire.

“There was a guy in there, I saw his head and arm out the window. It’s really horrible,” Mr Buckingham said.

Another resident, Liza Bak, said she was awake at the time the flames took hold and also heard three bangs.

“We heard a bang and two pop sounds and we thought it was someone messing with the bins first,” Ms Bak said.

“We heard someone beep a horn twice too and came out of the house about two or three minutes later and we saw the car up in flames.

“It’s crazy close. It was like wow.”

NSW Police Parramatta LAC Superintendent Barry Vincent said the reports of gunshots on the street in the moments before the fire were unconfirmed.

“I’ve only just recently learned of that information myself, we are certainly keen to speak to that person who may have heard gunshots,” Supt Vincent said.

“We’ve established Strike Force Askew to investigate all circumstances of this matter and until some time when we determine further details, it is being treated as suspicious and as such we have sought the liaison and assistance of the Homicide Squad.

“We are calling upon any members of the public who have any information, dashcam footage or CCTV that may assist our inquiries from around that time in Webb St in Parramatta.”

Police were at the scene throughout Tuesday carrying out a line search of not only Webb St but nearby sporting ovals.

Two hours earlier, the other man’s remains were found in a burning car parked at Waterfall, near the Royal National Park.

A crime scene has been established at North Parramatta. Picture: Jeremy Piper

Police are investigating reports gunshots were fired before a body was found in a burned out car in North Parramatta. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) found a white Toyota RAV4 engulfed in flames about 9km south of Engadine.

After firefighters extinguished the blaze and inspected the interior, they found skeletal remains inside the vehicle.

Police scoured parts of the Royal National Park after human remains were found in a burned out car early Tuesday. Picture: NCA Newswire / Gaye Gerard

Skeletal remains were found inside the 4WD. Picture 9 News

Officers attached to Sutherland Police Area Command were notified and attended a short time later to set up a crime scene.

Specialist police will attend the scene later today to continue the investigation while the remains have been sent for forensic examination to determine identification.

NSW Police is now urging anyone who may have information relating to the crime scene to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.