Police in Port Alberni are treating the discovery of a man鈥檚 body early Saturday morning, March 27, as suspicious.

Port Alberni RCMP and BC Emergency Health Services (EHS) members discovered the man near the sidewalk in front of the Port Alberni Friendship Center at approximately 7:20 a.m. The man is believed to be in his 20s.

Crime scene technicians were on scene for several hours following the discovery. Police cordoned off the 3500-block of Fourth Avenue between Napier Street and Burde Street. The investigation was centred in front of the Port Alberni Friendship Center where a body could be seen lying on the grass and covered with a sheet.

The BC Coroners Service attended, but have not released the man鈥檚 identity. Officers searched the area around the Friendship Center and a drone was also seen flying over the scene.

Port Alberni RCMP are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who have additional information to call the detachment at 250-723-2424.

Port Alberni Mayor Sharie Minions said in a social media post that she was 鈥渄eeply saddened鈥� by the news. 鈥淥ur hearts go out to the family and friends of this person as they grieve through this horrible situation,鈥� she wrote, adding that the city would not be providing further comment. She encouraged anyone struggling with the loss to reach out to their support network, mental health resources or a crisis line.

susie.quinn@albernivalleynews.com
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