Homicide detectives are investigating after a man was found dead in a south Edmonton apartment Tuesday night.

Insp. Brian Nowlan says police found the body of a man in the building's basement after reports of gunshots in the area. (CBC News)

"We haven’t yet identified the deceased, nor have we determined the cause of death," said Insp. Brian Nowlan.

Police were called to the apartment on Whyte Avenue near 97th Street just after 7:00 p.m. after gunshots were reported to police.

Tactical teams entered the building while officers taped off a wide area around it as a precaution, Nowlan said.

"There were 20, 30 people with guns. [Police say] ‘Ma’am, we don’t know what’s going on, but there was a gun, [a] shooting. Stay safe," Irina Novokhatko, who manages the building next door.

Irina Novokhatko, who works in the building next door, says she saw dozens of armed police surround the apartment. (CBC News)

"It was like a western."

Police say a man's body was found in the building's mechanical room in the basement.

They believe there may have also been a fight on the third floor of the apartment.

Two suspects were seen fleeing the scene, possibly in a silver Honda.