Vancouver police say they have been unable to corroborate a claim that a six-year-old girl was lured from the playground of an elementary school earlier this month.
Police say they have investigated tips from the public, interviewed staff and students at the school, spoken to neighbours and reviewed video footage but have found no evidence that it happened.
Sgt. Jason Robillard says the investigation is ongoing.
Police have been investigating an allegation that the girl was in the playground area outside Sexsmith Elementary School in south Vancouver on Dec. 5 when a man took her to a nearby location where he assaulted her, then returned her to school.
Robillard says detectives from the department's sex crimes unit and youth services section conducted the investigation.
He says investigating allegations that affect personal safety, especially involving children, is a priority for police.
"We feel this is an important update for parents, staff, students and the broader community to be aware of," he said in a news release on Friday.
