Police in New Westminster, B.C., seek red van in suspicious fire investigation

Police are looking for more information on a red van believed to be linked to a suspicious fire that broke out Monday morning at 12th Street and 7th Avenue.

Major crime investigators are searching for a red van that was seen leaving the area of a suspicious fire that caused extensive damage to a business in New Westminster, B.C.

A statement from the New Westminster Police Department says the fire occurred in the 600 block of 12th Street at approximately 2:42 a.m. on Aug. 11.

The business was not occupied when the blaze broke out, according to authorities.

The department’s major crimes unit has taken conduct of the investigation alongside investigators with the New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services.

“Investigators are seeking more information on a red van that was seen leaving the area,” Sgt. Andrew Leaver said in the statement Thursday.

“If you have any information about that van, including CCTV or dash cam footage of it in the 12th Street area, we encourage you to reach out to us.”

Authorities are urging residents and business owners in the area to check their surveillance cameras for evidence of suspicious activity in the area between the hours of 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. on the morning of the fire.

Anyone with information related to the incident is asked to call the New Westminster Police Department tip line at 604-529-2430 or send an email to [e-mail].