Park closed on Salt Spring Island after suspicious device found

A park on Salt Spring Island has been closed after the discovery of a suspicious device.

Just after 9 am this morning, the Salt Spring RCMP were contacted by a concerned citizen about an item left in Drummond Park.

The cylindrical shaped device raised the suspicion of the passerby, and they immediately reported it to the police.

Salt Spring RCMP frontline members arrived on scene and could not determine the nature of the device, and contacted the BC RCMP Explosive Disposal Unit (EDU) for their expertise.

Through their consultation and reviewing photos of the item, it was determined that the area be made safe by removing anyone nearby while the EDU members make their way to Salt Spring Island to examine and if necessary make it safe.

"A local resident saw this suspicious device at the north end of Drummond Park, and did the right thing by calling the RCMP immediately," said Salt Spring RCMP Detachment Commander Clive Seabrook.

"We are very fortunate to have experts available at moment’s notice not only to give a professional opinion, but come over and examine suspicious devices."

The Salt Spring RCMP are advising local residents to avoid the area while they await the arrival of the EDU team and urge anyone with information on this item to contact police by phone (250) 537-5555, email: [email protected] or should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).