Body recovered from Bowring Park in St. John's

There was a police presence in Bowring Park in the west end of St. John’s on Saturday night after a report of a sudden death. (Submitted by Angus Somerton)

On Saturday evening a body was recovered in Bowring Park in St. John's and police say the investigation is ongoing.

RNC Const. James Cadigan said police received a report of a sudden death around 8 p.m. on Saturday that was near the park.

"We did locate an individual in that location that was deceased. And at this time it remains with the office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine the cause of death," Cadigan told CBC News.

"Right now, it remains active with the RNC. At this time I don't really have any further comment related to where it stands, other than it's active."

A media report says rescue crews initially responded to a water rescue, however their task changed to recovery upon arrival. (Submitted by Angus Somerton)

On the scene were firefighters and RNC officers, including a forensic identification section vehicle.

"When the RNC responds to anything of that nature we all have to maintain continuity of the area, so we do call upon other patrol units to assist in that process," he added.

Cadigan couldn't say if the deceased was male or female, but confirmed that the body had already been identified. He did not say it the family had yet been notified.

He also was not sure if the body had been recovered from water, however according to a St. John's Regional Fire Department media advisory, firefighters were in the area for a water rescue.

According to an officer on the scene, after firefighters arrived their mission changed from a rescue to a recovery operation.

Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Click here to visit our landing page.