Strong smell of fuel both inside and outside car.

[stevetwigs]

Me and the Wife have recently noticed a strong smell of diesel in the car especially when the heaters are on. Sometimes we don't notice it other times its pretty pungent. Its seems to be strongest when we get out after its been parked as if the whole outside of the car smells. Been meaning to get under the bonnet and look for any lose hoses or obvious leaks for the past few weeks. However today I have also noticed a patch of what I presume is diesel under the exhaust at the rear of the car.
Thinking of having a good rummage over the weekend, just wanted to see if anyone has any ideas where to start looking? of it sounds like a common problem? Thought it was best to get advice upfront before I start tinkering blindly.
The car is a MKIV golf estate TDI
Thanks for your help.

[geoff eeles]

try fuel hoses to and from the fuel filter, see if the clips are secure and hoses are not leaking. get your misses to rev it while your looking to see if you can see fuel spirting out anywhere.

[xenon]

Check under the rear seats and remove the black cover which sits above the fuel tank. The securing ring for the fuel pump had split on the wifes Golf which resulted in fuel spilling onto the floor after refuelling. We'd noticed a smell of fuel in the rear of the car for some months prior to that.