3 boys to blame for child's drowning, Manitoba police say

RCMP in Manitoba say three children were responsible for the drowning death of a six-year-old boy, but won't be charged because they are too young.

The six-year-old disappeared early Tuesday evening on the Pauingassi First Nation reserve, located about 280 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg.

Police allege the boy was bullied into taking off his clothes and forced into a lake. He was unable to swim and drowned.

His body was found a few hours later.

RCMP Sgt. Steve Colwell said police blame the death on three boys, ranging in age from seven to nine.

"There's nothing more we can do, criminally," Colwell told the Winnipeg Free Press.

The matter has been referred to the Southeast Tribal Child and Family Services.