Authorities in Trois Rivieres, Que. have found the bicycle of a nine-year-old girl who didn't return from a Tuesday night ride, but they still haven't located her.
Cedrika Provencher had been expected to be home by 8:30 p.m.
Police have set up a command post and are leading the search, aided by dozens of volunteers and a helicopter, CTV Montreal reported Wednesday.
Reporter Tania Krywiak said the girl was last seen about 8 p.m. Tuesday night. Police say a neighbour saw her and that the girl had asked about a lost black dog.
About an hour before that, another person told police that Cedrika had asked about a lost dog, she said.
"At this point we know that the family doesn't own (a dog)," Krywiak said.
Police are currently trying to concentrate on finding Cedrika. They have been going door-to-door, and they are also searching a wooded area behind the homes near the St. Maurice River, she said.
"Those places are the kind of place where you can ride your bike or take a walk, if you want. But it's not an official place, it's a wood," said Const. Michel Letarte of the Trois Rivieres police.
Family members say Cedrika is a shy little girl who is always home on time, Krywiak said.
Hopes that perhaps she ended up at a friend's house for an impromptu sleepover are fading, she said.
