THE Integrated Investigation Team was deployed to Pitt Meadows on Monday after a deceased female was located in a field in the 20000-block area of Old Dewdney Trunk Road.

IHIT tweeted: “No public safety concern. Scene secured.”

On Sunday, August 15, at around 12:40 p.m., Emergency Health Services (EHS) advised Ridge Meadows RCMP of the deceased female.

RCMP said: “The cause of death was not immediately apparent, therefore, the RCMP’s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) was notified and attended the scene. At this time police do not believe this is related to any Lower Mainland gang conflict.”

Roads in the area were closed to assist with the investigation and aid in the preservation of evidence collection.

Ridge Meadows RCMP continue to investigate with assistance from IHIT. The BC Coroners’ Service was engaged to determine cause of death.

IHIT later said that it is working in partnership with the BC Coroners Service and is awaiting the results of an autopsy. “We want to emphasize that the cause and manner of death will be determined once an autopsy has been conducted,” said IHIT Cpl. Tim Pierotti.

IHIT is also working with the Conservation Officer Service of British Columbia on this investigation, as it appears that the body may have been disturbed by an animal.

Out of an abundance of caution, the Conservation Officer Service has issued a warning for anyone walking or picking berries in the area.