Saint John police are investigating the suspicious death of a 44-year-old woman in the city's east end.

According to a news release issued by police, a tenant at a Melrose Street residence returned home from work early Sunday morning and found the woman, who also lived in the building, unresponsive in the backyard.

Police were called at 6:24 a.m. The victim was transported to the Saint John Regional Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death.

Police would not comment further, but said the Major Crimes Unit is investigating and more details will be released when they become available.

At about 8 a.m. Sunday morning, police were called to Ellerdale Street in Saint John where a 61-year-old woman had died. Police have not determined whether it is suspicious. However, they are securing the location until an autopsy can be performed and the cause of death determined.