POLICE were today using dental records in a bid to formally identify two charred bodies found in a burning car near Ebbw Vale.

As the Argus reported, the badly burned bodies of a man and woman, were found by firefighters called to put out a blazing silver Vauxhall Vectra at Reservoir Road, near Lower Carno reservoir, on Friday afternoon.

The woman's body was found in the boot, the man's in the driving seat.

Police have so far refused to name the pair, although they believe they know their identities. But the woman is thought to be 48-year-old mother-of-two Annette Thomas, known locally as Nettie, of 27 Coronation Street, Blaina, and the man her ex-partner.

Mrs Thomas' home was sealed off by Crime Scene Investigators on Friday night.

Forensic teams continued work over the weekend, watched by shocked neighbours.

One neighbour, Helen Williams, aged 45, said: "We grew up together on Coronation Street and were childhood friends. She was always ready to help if there was anyone in trouble. I can't believe what has happened really. It's such a tragic waste."

Mrs Williams' husband, Gwyn, 47, said: "We have been interviewed by police... I have never heard a bad word said against her.

"She was a great woman who loved her pet dog. She would always speak to you if you were passing. She had lots of friends and everyone knew her."

The warehouse worker added Mrs Thomas was a keen cyclist and gym-goer.

Another local, retired nurse Pam Watkins, said the community was in shock: "It's dreadful and no one can believe it. The street is quiet and no one would dream of it happening.

"She was the sort of person who would help people, she was very caring."

Mrs Watkins said Mrs Thomas divorced eight years ago, adding: "I know she had a long-term relationship with a person after the marriage and I heard there may have been someone else later."

Jean Deacon, 61, a sewing machine operator, said: "Nettie was a lovely, lovely girl.

"The last time I saw her was last Wednesday. She was always very helpful. She would help anyone out. She was good to me."

One couple, who asked not to be named, said they had known Mrs Thomas for seven years.

The woman said: "I'm very shocked and upset. What else can you say?"

Her husband added: "She was very fit. She always used to use her pushbike. She was always happy and she always seemed busy. She was a lovely person."

Mrs Thomas' mother was too upset to speak to the Argus.

Home Office pathologist Dr Andrew Davidson and forensic scientists were examining the car and bodies at the weekend.

A Gwent Police spokeswoman said: "Sadly, due to their fatal injuries we are not able to make a formal identification and are liaising with an orthodontist looking at dental records."

DCI Andy Williams, who is leading the investigation, said: "Anyone who either heard or saw anything suspicious taking place at 27 Coronation Street, Blaina, or saw the silver Vectra travelling towards the reservoir area, can contact us at Ebbw Vale police station."

Call 01495 330999, ext 2960.