House at centre of dispute is torn down in British Columbia town

SCOTCH CREEK, B.C. – A house that residents in the community of Scotch Creek, B.C., complained about has been torn down.

The RCMP warned residents in the community, about 80 kilometres east of Kamloops, against taking matters into their own hands after an arson at the home earlier this week.

The home was supposed to be vacant, but the RCMP said residents went to a house last weekend to confront its occupants about stolen property and what sounded like a gunshot was heard from inside.

RCMP Cpl. Scott Linklater said in a statement that police do not condone vigilantism and they recommend the public leave investigations to them.

Jay Simpson, an area director for the Columbia Shuswap Regional District, says the owner was unaware the house was being used by squatters and it was torn down on Friday. (CHNL, CFJC)