Police are investigating the potential discovery of an explosive device in New Westminster.
Explosive technicians are analyzing the findings to confirm whether or not it is indeed an explosive device.
The discovery was made at around 4 p.m. on July 9, when someone spotted what appeared to them to be an explosive device and called 911. They found it on the 300 block of Ash Street.
That area of New West is primarily residential, with some businesses a few blocks away.
The New Westminster Police Department (NWPD) said that officers rushed to the location and secured the scene, while closing off the street to traffic. Some residents were also asked to leave a nearby multi-family building out of an abundance of caution.
“We’d like to thank residents for their cooperation as we worked to ensure their safety,” stated NWPD Sergeant Andrew Leaver in a statement. “We treat every threat as real until we can determine otherwise. While this does cause a disruption, it’s paramount that we take steps to keep people safe.”
NWPD said that officers were working in partnership with the BC RCMP Explosives Disposal Unit to safely remove the object to a secure location.
“Police worked in the area for approximately three hours, which included utilizing a police drone,” NWPD said.
Daily Hive received an additional statement from Leaver in response to whether or not the NWPD has confirmed the discovery as an explosive device.
“The appearance of the device caused this person enough concern to call 911. Explosive technicians are conducting a detailed analysis of the device to learn more. We’re very appreciative to have the expertise of the BC RCMP Explosives Disposal Unit, who attended the scene and removed the device to a secure location,” Leaver told Daily Hive.
Police respond to potentially explosive device on Ash Street in #NewWest. https://t.co/r412RXMSnr pic.twitter.com/LjHTSUpYPH
— New Westminster Police Department (@NewWestPD) July 10, 2026
“If you know anything about the suspected explosive device and have not spoken to police, you are asked to call 604-525-5411,” NWPD added.