Two men are being questioned on suspicion of murder after the decapitated body of a man was discovered on a grass verge.
The victim was found after firefighters extinguished a blaze at the scene in Stockport, Greater Manchester, in the early hours of Thursday.
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "Officers were called at 5.10am after fire crews extinguished a blaze on a verge off Wellington Street.
"Police attended and discovered the decapitated body of a man believed to be in his 20s.
"Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in police custody for questioning."
The crime scene in the town centre, near Stockport Magistrates' Court, has been cordoned off as forensic examination takes place.
Earlier, police said the investigation was is in its early stages as they tried to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
They reassured local residents there were numerous police officers in the area as the probe continued.
Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 9755 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.