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Grid search in dead body investigation underway

Police continued the investigation surrounding the body found at S.J. Willis Education Centre in Victoria.
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Police dig through the dirt on the north-west corner of S. J. Willis Education Centre on Thursday afternoon where a body was found on the grounds earlier this week. (Lauren Boothby/VICTORIA NEWS)

Police continued their grid search Friday morning of the school grounds where a body was discovered last week.

Officers wore masks, sifted soil samples, cut brush and dug through the dirt on the north-west side of S. J. Willis Education Centre near the corner of Blanshard Street and Topaz Avenue in Victoria.

Reports of a sudden death brought VicPD to the scene shortly before 4 p.m on Aug. 22. The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crimes Unit, VicPD major crime detectives, the Forensic Identification Section and the Crowd Management Unit Search Team are all involved in the investigation.

“We are continuing an exhaustive search for any evidence around the school grounds in relation to the recovery. This includes the search of nearby soil and areas partially concealed by the growth of brush and vegetation,” said Cpl. Tammy Douglas with the RCMP’s Island District.

“Investigators are taking a methodical approach during their examination to ensure a thorough search is completed. This will continue until complete.”

Officers have since taped the area off and aren’t letting anyone on the school grounds.

The RCMP have not released further information on the cause of death or identity of the deceased.

lauren.boothby@vicnews.com

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A drone flies overhead, and VicPD officers wear masks and goggles as they cut the brush at the north-west side of S. J. Willis Education Centre on Thursday afternoon. A body was found on the grounds earlier this week. (Lauren Boothby/VICTORIA NEWS)