WASHINGTON — Homicide detectives are canvassing a part of the Trinidad neighborhood in Northeast Washington after a body was discovered in a burning garbage can.

According to police, a call came in 5:30 a.m. Tuesday about a fire in an alley in the 1200 block of Holbrook Terrace.

Firefighters discovered the body as they extinguished the blaze.

“It’s scary because it’s too close to home,” said neighbor Nicole Mitchell.  “I feel sorry for the family.”

Investigators say it is too early to tell the victim’s age, gender or cause of death.

“The medical examiner will have to determine that for us,” said Lieutenant Derek Gray with D.C. Police. “The body was burned beyond recognition.”