A woman has been found dead following a caravan fire north-east of Melbourne.

Police were already at the Goulburn Valley Highway Caravan Park in Thornton for a welfare check when the van became engulfed in flames at about 3.30pm on Tuesday afternoon.

Fire crews were called and brought the blaze under control.

The remains of a woman — believed to be the 64-year-old resident of the caravan — were found inside.

An arson chemist has examined the scene and at this stage there is nothing to indicate the fire was suspicious.

Homicide detectives are investigating the death with oversight from Professional Standards Command, which is standard practice when a person dies in police presence.

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