Surrey police and firefighters are investigating an early morning house fire that left one man dead in a residential neighbourhood of the city’s Newton area. The incident has prompted a joint investigation involving police, fire officials, and the BC Coroners Service.

Surrey Police Service officers were called shortly after 7:00 a.m. to assist Surrey Fire Service crews at a blaze in the 12700 block of 56 Avenue. The home was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived, and road closures were put in place as crews worked to control the fire.

While searching the residence, firefighters located the body of an adult man inside the home. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police say the identity of the victim has not been released, pending notification of next of kin.

The Surrey Police Service Serious Crime Unit has taken over the investigation and is working alongside the Coroner and fire investigators. At this stage, police say it is not yet known whether the death is suspicious, and the cause of the fire has also not been determined.

Police are asking anyone who may have information about the fire or activity in the area around the time it started to contact Surrey Police Service’s non-emergency line at 604-599-0502. Anonymous tips can also be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Investigators ask callers to reference file number 26-3704 (SP).