Detectives from the 8 District office of the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) have been investigating this matter.
As a result of the ongoing investigation the adult male and female child have been located, identified, and are safe. The investigation has determined that the matter was not suspicious, and no criminal act occurred.
The NRPS would like to acknowledge the public and media for their assistance. The NPRS has deleted the photos from the original media release and our social media for privacy. We would as the public and media to consider doing the same.
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Original:
The Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) is currently investigating a suspicious incident involving an adult male and child in the Town of Lincoln.
On November 17, 2023 at 2:30p.m. 8 District (Grimsby / Lincoln / West Lincoln) uniform officers from the NRPS were called to the area of Greenlane Road and Garden Gate Trail.
A member of the public contacted the NRPS and advised that at approximately 2:30 p.m. they witnessed an adult male talking to a young female child of approximately 4-5 years old. The behaviour of the child and male combined with the nature of the conversation led the member of public to be concerned for the safety of the child. The child and adult male were last seen walking north bound towards a wooded area.
The White female child was last seen wearing:
Pink coat and earmuffs
Light coloured pants
Dark coloured high rain boots
The White male was last seen wearing:
White shoes
Blue jeans
Orange and black backpack
Black coat
Light coloured hoodie
Officers have converged on the area and have not been able to locate the adult male and child. The identity of both remains unknown at this time.
There are currently no reports / calls for a missing child in Niagara of this description. While the information is concerning, there is also no grounds to confirm that a criminal offence has actually occurred.
Out an abundance of safety the Niagara Regional Police is requesting members of the public in the area to be on the lookout for the man and child (See photo).
Detectives are attempting to determine the identity of the man and child and the circumstances around this incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detectives, by calling 905-688-4111 option 3 extension 1009383.
Anyone who knows the location of the adult male and child is asked to call 911.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.
https://www.niagarapolice.ca/en/news/nrps-investigating-suspicious-incident-in-lincoln.aspx