Sex assault on girl 'horrific': police

A young girl was sexually assaulted near Ellice Avenue and Langside Street in Winnipeg on Sunday evening, police said.

A police spokesman said the child, under 10 years of age, was playing outside when she was approached by a male. Police provided no further description of the assailant. The assault occurred between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m., and police were called around 10:20 p.m.

Const. Jason Michalyshen saidinvestigators are still gathering evidence but there is no indication the victim and suspect knew each other.

"Our main goal is to certainly identify and apprehend the responsible individual," said Michalyshen who described the assault as a "horrific incident."

He warned thatparents should be aware of their children's whereabouts at all times.

"There is a healing process here that begins immediately, and as a service we certainly want to ensure that the family gets the support that they require," he said.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact investigators at 986-6868 or Crime Stoppers at 786-8477.