The murder of a 23-year-old woman found in a burning car in Somerset was "brutal and tragic", police have said.

Catherine Wells-Burr was found in her red Ford Focus in a field in Ashill, near Ilminster, at about 06:30 BST on Wednesday.

Police said one line of inquiry was that it may not have been a random attack and that she knew her killer.

Det Ch Insp Simon Crisp said it was not yet known if Miss Wells-Burr was alive when the car was set on fire.

Fire crews who were called out to the burning car put out the flames and discovered the body inside the wreckage.

'Did she know killer?'
Mr Crisp said: "This is a tragic and brutal incident in which a young woman has needlessly lost her life.

"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.

"Did she know her killer? Did she arrange to meet somebody at the location where she met her death? These are the things we are seriously considering.

"I can assure you we will find those responsible and bring them to justice."

Miss Wells-Burr, a graduate of Bath Spa University, worked as a business analyst in Chard.