Girl sexually assaulted by man at Dufferin-area playground: Winnipeg police

An elementary school-aged girl was sexually assaulted by a man on a playground in Winnipeg’s Dufferin district on Saturday evening, police said.

Police are searching for the man after a sexual assault occurred on the school playground on Flora Avenue between McGregor and Salter Streets around 5:15 p.m. Saturday, a news release said Tuesday.

The girl was at the playground with another child when an unknown man approached them. The man made sexually explicit comments to the children before grabbing the girl and touching her in a sexual manner, police said.

The girl was able to free herself and the two children ran home to report the attack to an adult, who then called the police. Neither child required medical attention.

According to police, the man is described as being around 20 years old and having dreadlocks.

Officers notified the school, which will send messages to parents and guardians regarding student awareness and safety planning, police said.

Anyone with information on the man’s identity or surveillance video from the area where the incident occurred is asked to contact investigators at 204-986-3296 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS or on-line.