METRO VANCOUVER — Officers are investigating Burnaby's third homicide this year after a fatally injured man was found lying in the middle of the intersection of Moscrop Street and Smith Avenue early Thursday morning.

Mounties came across the body while on patrol in the area shortly before 3 a.m., Burnaby RCMP said.

Officers contacted the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team, which deployed investigators to the scene. Homicide police have now taken over the investigation and have confirmed foul play is suspected in the victim's death, according to a media release.

Moscrop Street was closed between Boundary Road and Inman Avenue on Thursday morning while investigators processed the scene for evidence.

This is the third time the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team has been called to Burnaby this year.

In February, investigators were at the scene of a fatal altercation at the Edmonds SkyTrain station. A 27-year-old man was killed and two Burnaby residents were charged in connection with his murder.

Last month, officers returned to Burnaby after a fatal stabbing and police shooting in the Riverside neighbourhood on March 29. Officers are still investigating this incident.

"We are hoping to speak with anyone who was out and about in the area of Moscrop in the hours leading up to the discovery of this man," said Sgt. Stephanie Ashton, spokesperson for the homicide team, in the release.

Homicide investigators are asking anyone with information to contact its tip line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or email ihittipline@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

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