Child offered candy by masked men in white van: Police

Winnipeg police are investigating after a child was approached by two suspicious men in a van Tuesday afternoon.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Winnipeg police said Wednesday following an investigation that there was no threat to the child. An updated story can be found here.

Winnipeg police said a child was offered candy by masked men in a white van.

It happened Tuesday around 1 p.m. in the 600 block of Beverley Street in the Daniel McIntyre neighbourhood. Police said the child was walking to school when a white van stopped and two men wearing facer masks and black clothing got out.

Police said the men offered the child candy and a ride.

“The child refused and quickly ran to the school and reported what happened to a staff member,” police said in an advisory issued Tuesday afternoon.

The investigation is in its early stages, police said, but encouraged families and caregivers to discuss what it described as ‘strategic safety’ with their children. The police service said this includes walking with a friend, reporting any suspicious interactions to a trusted adult, and shouting out loud if they need help.

Police are asking anyone with information or video surveillance to call the child abuse unit at [phone] or make an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers online or by calling (204) 786-TIPS (8477).