Police identify man killed in Surrey assault

Police have identified the man who died after a fight Sunday night on96thAvenue near 129th Street in Surrey, B.C.

The Lower Mainland'sIntegrated Homicide Investigation Team confirmed Surrey resident Lakhwinder Singh Bal, 48, as the victim.

IHIT Cpl. Frank Jang says Bal was known to police and although his slaying was not random,it is not believed to be linked to gang activity.

A motive has not been determined, but Jang says it happened shortly after a verbal disagreement between Bal and his alleged attacker.

The subject of that disagreement is crucial to the investigation and Jang says detectives are appealing for any witnesses and would also like to speak to Bal's relatives and friends.

IHIT investigatorswere at the scene early Monday and the roads around the area were closed.

The assault took place Sunday night at about 9 p.m. PT, Surrey RCMP said in a statement.

Police received several 911 calls reporting a fight in the area and arrived to find the man collapsed on the ground.IHITsays he was taken to hospital, where he died of his injuries.

Surrey RCMP are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or observed someone fleeingthe area to call604-599-0502 orcall CrimeStoppers.

96th Avenue between128thStreetand130thStreet is expected to be closed for some time as the investigation continues.

With files from The Canadian Press

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