'Suspicious death' of B.C. baby being investigated by homicide team

A crib is shown in this undated image from shutterstock.com. (Anna Jurkovska)

Vancouver -

CTV News has learned that homicide investigators are looking into what they call the "suspicious death" of a young child.

When asked by CTV this week, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team confirmed a one-year-old had died.

The team said there had been no public notification of the death, as there was "no investigative need" for a plea for more information.

Later in the day, IHIT provided more details in a news release.

The team said the child was found Saturday by police in New Westminster following a call shortly before 4:30 a.m.

The caller reported an unresponsive infant at a home on 5th Avenue near 13th Street.

The New Westminster Police Department assessed the situation and determined there were "suspicious circumstances" surrounding the death, IHIT said.

The homicide team was called to aid in the investigation, as were members of the BC Coroners Service and the NWPD's Forensic Identification Section.

Homicide investigators are speaking with family and friends to gather more information about the case.

"As there is no ongoing public safety issue or investigative need, no names or further details are being released," Sgt. David Lee said in the news release.

"The hurt caused by these kind of deaths are amplified when the victim is so young. We are working diligently to find answers to help the healing process for all those affected."

Anyone with more information is asked to contact IHIT.