Dunedin police are appealing for vehicle sightings after a death this week that is now being treated as a homicide

A body was discovered in a rural area north of the city around 8pm on Monday.

Police say they're treating the investigation as a homicide - and are working with forensic experts at the scene.

They're also looking into a house on Lock Street in St Clair in relation to the death.

Neighbours told the Otago Daily Times they could see a pool of blood in the house - as well as drag marks on the floor.

Police say they're interested in the movements of a dark blue 1995 Toyota Emina driven from Dunedin to Picton early Tuesday morning - and are urging anyone who saw the van to make contact.