Ottawa police say two sexual assaults on young girls in the city's west end might be related.
A police command post has been set up and about 20 officers continue to canvass the neighbourhood around Trend-Arlington Park, near Greenbank Road, in an effort to dig up any evidence or witnesses that could help with an investigation into a recent sexual assault.
"We're just examining the scene, looking for any potential evidence and canvassing the area for any potential witnesses," Ottawa Police Staff Sgt. John McGetrick told CTV Ottawa.
Warning for parents with young children
In the meantime, police are advising parents to make sure their children avoid the park and surrounding area unless accompanied.
"Residents with adolescents or young children, we're advising to stay away from the pathway unless there in, I'd say, significantly large groups," said McGetrick.
The warning comes after a 12-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted while walking home from school on a pathway in Trend-Arlington Park Tuesday afternoon.
Police say this is the third recent report of a suspicious incident in the area.
Neighbourhood shocked and on high alert
Residents are shocked by the recent assaults and say the neighbourhood is generally quiet and parents usually need to worry more about who's hosting a sleepover rather than being on the lookout for a sexual predator.
"I'm scared somebody's going to do the same thing with me," Dorottya Turzo, a young girl who lives in the area, told CTV Ottawa.
"You never see anything like this around here, never. It's such a good neighbourhood, a quiet neighbourhood," said area resident Rhonda Rassi.
Police hunt for suspect
Police are searching for a suspect they describe as a bearded white male, between 20-30 years old. The suspect was last seen wearing blue jeans and a white hat.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Ottawa police at 613-236-1222 ext. 5760 or Crime Stoppers at 613-233-TIPS.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's John Hua
