MARTINS FERRY — Authorities are investigating a death that occurred Thursday on Delia Avenue in Martins Ferry.

The Martins Ferry Police Department, Belmont County Coroner’s Office and Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation were working at the scene Thursday afternoon. Several neighbors of the Delia Avenue home watched from their porches as officers and the coroner conducted their work. One individual could be seen in the back of a squad car.

Police on scene declined to comment, and Martins Ferry Police Chief Jerry Murphy was not available for comment as of Thursday evening.

Martins Ferry Mayor John Davies said he was unable to comment on the specific incident, as the investigation is ongoing. When asked whether violence is on the rise in Martins Ferry, also the site of a December murder-suicide that left two dead and a third person with a gunshot wound, Davies said no. He said he believes these were isolated incidents that are not indicative of a trend.

Belmont County Coroner Amanda Fisher confirmed that she was on scene and involved in the investigation, though she said she could not release any details Thursday. She anticipated additional information would be available today.