Man arrested after human remains found burning in Surrey ditch: police
Death not believed to be related to ongoing gang conflict, RCMP say
One man has been arrested after human remains were discovered burning in a ditch in a rural area of Surrey, B.C., early Friday.
Witnesses spotted the fire at 48 Avenue and 168 Street around 4:20 a.m. PT.
Firefighters called police after realizing it wasn't just a brush fire, according to an RCMP spokesperson. The remains were recovered once the flames were out.
The area is near the trails along the Nicomekl River, which winds through acreage and farmland.
One man was arrested at a home in the Newton neighbourhood on suspicion of murder around 5 a.m. PT.
The RCMP's Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) is now investigating.
A statement said investigators believe the death was "not a random act," but police do not believe the killing is linked to the ongoing Lower Mainland gang conflict.
Surrey RCMP Sgt. Elenore Sturko said there is no risk to the public.
With files from Yvette Brend