PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — A homicide investigation is underway after a body was found inside a burning dumpster Monday night, Portsmouth Police said.

Police responded to a call just after 9 p.m. about the discovery of a body during the extinguishing of a dumpster fire in the 3600 block of Pepperwood Court, on the site of the Bethel Worship Center Church International.

When officers arrived and the ashes had settled, there was a deadly discovery, as they confirmed the presence of human remains, Portsmouth Police said.

Due to the condition of the body, police said they are working with the medical examiner to help identify the victim.

The investigation into the death remains ongoing. No additional information has been released.

Residents who live nearby the church were able to recall the scary sight.

“We were coming off the interstate,” said resident Brandon Wilson. “We just saw fire trucks, policemen and an ambulance, and we were just so scared because we didn’t know what was going on. … Normally, it’s very quiet. It’s very peaceful — don’t really hear much around here.”

Herman Dixon, pastor of Bethel Worship Center Church International, called what happened heartbreaking.

“Sometimes people have to understand that what they do doesn’t just affect them or people in their close proximity, it affects a lot more people,” Dixon said.

The tragedy canceled the church’s food pantry at a time when they usually feed dozens, but Dixson said what hurts most is the life that was lost.

You can’t hurt a person without hurting their family, and hurting yourself,” Dixon said. “The thing I try to get across to kids and young people is that when you do something, it affects more than just you. It affects everybody around you.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Portsmouth Police Investigations Bureau at 757-393-8536 or the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP. People can also submit an anonymous tip through the P3Tips app.