Man dead in St. John's as police investigate 'suspicious' early-morning incident

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. -- A man has been found dead in St. John's, hours after police closed a street and advised residents to stay inside their homes.

In a statement released Sunday, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) said they were called to Craigmillar Avenue shortly after 4 a.m. local time "to reports of unknown trouble."

Officers found the man dead when they arrived on the scene.

Police say the death is believed to be suspicious.

The cause of the man's death remains unknown, and police say they will remain in the area to canvass the neighbourhood and gather evidence.

Earlier this morning, the RNC had advised residents to shelter in place and they closed off Craigmillar Ave.

Police have advised people to avoid the area and they say local residents should continue to remain inside their homes.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 5, 2020.

UPDATE-- Officers will remain on scene securing an area of Craigmiller Avenue in order to render safe. We ask area residents to remain inside at this time, & there is still no public access to Craigmiller Avenue. More information to follow. #nltraffic

— Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (@RNC_PoliceNL) July 5, 2020