Downtown Eastside assault now a homicide, police say

Vancouver police say they are investigating an assault that happened in the Downtown Eastside early Friday as a homicide after the victim died.

The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) said it responded to a 23-year-old man in medical distress near Main and East Hastings just after 1:30 a.m. Friday.

The man was taken to a hospital, but he later died, police said in a statement.

The investigation is still ongoing,but the VPD said they believe the suspect and victim knew each other. No arrests hadbeen made as of Friday afternoon.

Police ask anyone with information to contact the VPD's Homicide Unit at 604-717-2500.