The discovery of a male body in the Fraser Valley has prompted a homicide investigation.

Upper Fraser Valley RCMP responded at 7:30 a.m. on August 26 to a call about a deceased male found in a field on Chowat Road in Agassiz.

After examination, officers deemed the death to be suspicious and called in the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) for an investigation.

RCMP secured a large outdoor area and IHIT investigators, the Integrated Forensic Identification Services, Agassiz RCMP, and the B.C. Coroners Service are investigating. In addition, IHIT is working with the Seabird Island Indigenous Community during this investigation.

IHIT Sgt. David Lee stated that the incident is not believed to be connected to the Lower Mainland gang conflict, that it was an isolated incident, and that there isn’t any risk to the public.

RCMP stated that a 25-year-old male has been identified but has not released his identity and added that “the Seabird Island Community is grappling with this tragic incident and ask for privacy to allow the families to grieve through this difficult time”.

Anyone with information is asked to contact IHIT by phone at 1-877-551-4448 or email.