'Very confronting': Woman's burnt body found in backyard

A homicide investigation is underway after a woman's burnt body was found at a home on the Gold Coast.

Queensland Police were called to a Spikes Court residence in Arundel at 6.40am on Tuesday to conduct a welfare check after a neighbour heard an altercation at the property.

A woman's body was located in the backyard of the residence.

Police say three children under the age of nine were located at the address at the time and are unharmed in police care. It is unclear if they witnessed the woman's death.

The suburban Gold Coast street where the woman's body was discovered. Source: Google Maps
The suburban Gold Coast street where the woman's body was discovered. Source: Google Maps

A 35-year-old man was located at a nearby address in a "semi-conscious" state suffering from burns to his hands and possibly internally to his airways, Detective Inspector Chris Ahearn said.

He was taken to the Gold Coast University Hospital in a serious condition under police guard and is assisting with inquiries.

Police officers met with 'very confronting scene'

The female victim had also suffered from burns, Detective Inspector Ahearn said, noting the address where she was found was a "very confronting scene".

The man and woman are believed to have known each other with Nine News reporting they are understood to have previously been in a relationship.

A police officer checks nearby bins for potential evidence. Source: Nine News
A police officer checks nearby bins for potential evidence. Source: Nine News

Investigators will look to determine whether the woman's death was an act of domestic violence.

The surrounding area has been locked down as police canvass the area for evidence.

Police are also speaking with local residents and have stopped rubbish collections because potential evidence may have been dumped in a bin.

"We're canvassing residents in that area to get a better determination of that residence and who lives there and what the movements were there this morning," Detective Inspector Ahern said.

Police are not seeking any other persons in relation to the investigation so far.

One neighbour told the ABC the street is a close-knit community and nothing appeared "out of place" when he left his home earlier in the morning.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, find help by visiting Lifeline or calling 1800 RESPECT.

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