UPDATE: 2 p.m., June 27
Police are providing more details about an early morning explosion outside the office of North Vancouver MLA Bowinn Ma.
North Vancouver RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Mansoor Sahak addressed members of the media at the detachment office Friday afternoon.
At around 2:45 a.m. Friday, police received reports of a "loud bang" in the 100 block of West First Street. Officers attended the area but found nothing suspicious, he said.
Then at around 4:15 a.m., RCMP received a second report of a loud explosion near the intersection of Esplanade West and Chesterfield Avenue. Police responded "immediately" and found evidence of damage to the front door of the office building in the 200 block of Esplanade West that was "indicative of an explosive device detonation," Sahak said.
"The blast breached the door and damaged the door frame," he said.
The RCMP Explosive Dispostal Unit was notified and attended the scene, as well as police dog and forensic identification officers. The office was cleared and deemed safe, Sahak said.
“This was a jarring incident that undoubtedly startled sleeping residents in the area,” he said. “Our investigation is still in its earliest stages, but police will remain on scene for the time being while CCTV is canvassed from neighbouring businesses and additional evidence is collected.”
Sahak said police are investigation all possible avenues and haven't ruled out anything at this stage in the investigation.
"The North Vancouver RCMP Serious Crime Unit is leading the investigation and is being assisted by a number of RCMP resources to advance this investigation. This includes analytical support and additional resources from the Lower Mainland District RCMP,” Sahak said.
Police are asking anyone with dash cam or CCTV footage in the Esplanade West area between 2:30 and 4:30 a.m. Friday to come forward.
Sahak said he couldn't provide details about any explosive devices that were potentially recovered by police. He also couldn't say if the two explosions were linked.
He said that RCMP was working with Ma's office to provide victim protective service.
Sahak added that the investigation is in its early stages and that more information will be released as it unfolds.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call North Vancouver RCMP at 604-985-1311 and quote file #25-13204. If you wish to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
ORIGINAL: 11 a.m., June 27
Police are on the scene investigating after an explosive was set off outside the office of North Vancouver MLA Bowinn Ma.
Police have the area around Ma’s office in Lower Lonsdale taped off on Friday morning.
The dark marks of an earlier explosion could be seen on the front door of the office and on the nearby pavement. Pieces of the door that appear to have exploded off of it were also lying on the ground.
Ma issued a statement just before 11 a.m.
“All meetings and appointments at my constituency office are cancelled for the day due to a security incident that occurred in the early hours of this morning,” she wrote. “Thankfully, nobody was injured, but incidents like this can be quite frightening.”
Ma said she appreciated the concern expressed by community members.
“I am grateful to serve such a caring and compassionate community. I’d also like to thank the officers who responded for their diligence and professionalism. Due to the active police investigation, I will not be able to provide more details at this time,” she said.
North Shore News has reached out to police for comment.
More to come …
