Homicide team investigating after man dies following altercation in Surrey, B.C.

IHIT has been called to Surrey after a man died—following what authorities say was a verbal altercation on the street.

Homicide investigators say a 34-year-old man is dead after he was found suffering from unspecified injuries sustained in an altercation Wednesday night in Surrey, B.C.

Officers with the Surrey Police Service initially responded to a report of an injured man in the 9700 block of 134 Street at approximately 9:10 p.m.

The man was already being treated by paramedics when police arrived. He was then taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team said in a statement Thursday.

“While the investigation is still in its early stages, it appears to be an isolated incident,” the statement said.

In an update on the case Thursday afternoon, the homicide team said they believed the injuries were sustained following a verbal dispute.

The update identified the victim as Matthew Neely of Surrey.

Police were expected to remain in the area throughout the day to gather evidence and interview potential witnesses in an effort to piece together the circumstances of the deadly altercation.

“Establishing the victim’s background and a timeline of his arrival to the area is critical as this will help us determine the events leading up to his death,” Sgt. Freda Fong said in the update.

“It is important for anyone who had recent contact with Mr. Neely to call IHIT right away.”

Anyone with information or images related to the investigation is urged to call the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or email [e-mail].