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Victim had gang ties

UPDATE: 1 p.m.

Homicide investigators have identified the victim of what they say appears to be a targeted attack in Surrey.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team says in a release that 24-year-old Amin Vinepal was found dead along a road in a rural area of Surrey on Thursday.

Police say a vehicle that was set on fire and reduced to a charred shell several kilometres away is likely connected to the homicide.

Detectives have not revealed how Vinepal died but say his injuries are consistent with homicide.

They also say the man was linked to gang activity and they believe his slaying was tied to other gang violence around Metro Vancouver.

No arrests have been made and Cpl. Frank Jang with the homicide team says investigators want to speak with any witnesses.

"There are people who have information about what happened to Mr. Vinepal," Jang says.


UPDATE: 9 a.m.

Homicide investigators say a suspicious death in Surrey appears to be targeted.

Officials with the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team held a news conference late Thursday to discuss the discovery of a body at the side of a street in a rural area of southeastern Surrey earlier in the day.

Cpl. Frank Jang also said a fire several kilometres away that reduced a vehicle to little more than charred shell may have been connected to the death.

Jang has not identified the victim and could not confirm how the person died.

In a tweet he said homicide investigators were working with Surrey RCMP to canvass the neighbourhood.

Police are urging anyone with information to come forward.


UPDATE: 9:04 p.m.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has taken over the investigation of a suspicious death in Surrey.

On April 26, just after 3:30 p.m., Surrey RCMP was called to 12 Avenue between 176 Street

and 184 Street after a report of a suspicious death was received.

“Upon police attendance, a deceased adult was located,” said Sgt. A. McKinney, adding the area surrounding the scene will be cordoned off for a significant amount of time. IHIT will be working in partnership with the Surrey RCMP.

Police are currently in the evidence-gathering phase.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation can call the IHIT information line at 1-877- 551-IHIT (4448) or by email at [email protected]. To remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers by phone at 1-800- 222-TIPS (8477).


ORIGINAL

RCMP are currently dealing with two unfolding incidents that have resulted in road closures in South Surrey.

Cpl. Elenore Sturko said 12th Avenue is closed between 184 Street and 176 Street, while police investigate a report of a suspicious death.

28th Avenue is closed between 184 Street and 188 Street, while police and fire crews attend to a vehicle fire.

“Both investigations are in their early stages. An update will be provided when more information is available,” said Sturko.



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