RED DEER — Mounties in central Alberta are looking for a van stolen from a funeral home that had a body inside.

RCMP say the van was in a parking lot outside the Red Deer business when it was taken.

They say the driver had left the vehicle briefly and that the body of a man was in the back.

Officers from other jurisdictions, as well as an RCMP helicopter, have aided in the search for the van.

It is described as a black 2014 Chrysler Town and Country with license plate 72M 682.

Supt. Ken Foster says the family of the dead man has been notified and officers are working non−stop on the case.

“This vehicle theft was almost certainly a crime of opportunity, but with a very unfortunate and upsetting twist,” Foster said.

“This is a sensitive incident and we’re very aware of the distress it is causing to the family of the deceased and everyone connected to the incident.”

The Canadian Press