A troubling incident that took place on schoolgrounds in Vancouver’s West End has prompted police to issue a public alert, and a request for parents or guardians to speak with their children. 

The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) stated today (June 8) that an unknown man approached an eight-year-old female student at a playground at Lord Roberts Elementary near Bidwell and Pendrell streets between 2 and 2:30 p.m. on June 7.

He then exposed his genitals to her. Unfortunately, he had left the area before police could arrive at the scene.

VPD spokesperson Const. Tania Visintin commended the student for how she responded to the situation.

“A child should never have to be exposed to such a disturbing act,” Const. Visintin stated in a news release. “There’s no doubt this would have frightened the young student. She did the right thing by telling a trusted adult immediately.”

The suspect is described as a white male who appears to be between 55 and 65 years old, and is between 165 centimetres (five-feet, nine-inches) and 188 centimetres (six-feet, two-inches) tall. 

He has short, light brown and grey hair and grey stubble. At the the time of the incident, he was wearing a tan or olive colour baseball hat and a burgundy bomber jacket. In addition, he was carrying a messenger bag.

The investigation into this incident is in its early phases and remains ongoing

Anyone who sees suspicious activity is asked to call 911 immediately.