Major Crime Unit investigating after man found dead in downtown New Westminster

Surrey and New Westminster are seen from the air in CTV's Chopper 9 in May 2019. (Pete Cline / CTV News Vancouver)

The discovery of a deceased man in downtown New Westminster Tuesday afternoon has prompted an investigation by the local police department’s Major Crime Unit.

The death was reported around 1:15 p.m., the New Westminster Police Department said in a news release Wednesday.

Patrol officers and the Forensic Identification Unit responded to the scene, and the Major Crime Unit is leading the NWPD investigation. The B.C. Coroners Service is also investigating.

In an email to CTV News, police said the body was discovered near Quebec Street and Stewardson Way. It’s too soon to say whether there was foul play involved in the man’s death, police added.

“We’re working to determine what the circumstances were surrounding this man’s death,” said Sgt. Justine Thom, in the release.

“It could be several weeks before the circumstances of his death become clear.”

Anyone who has information that could help investigators should call the NWPD at 604-525-5411, police said.