Port Moody kids treated after hot sauce smeared on playground: police

The Aspenwood Elementary School playground is cordoned off after a suspicious substance was found smeared on parts of it. Police believe the substance is hot sauce and that the act was deliberate. Several kids were treated for eye irritation. (Courtesy Twitter/Port Moody Police)

By Robyn Crawford

Posted April 15, 2022 12:02 pm.

Last Updated April 15, 2022 12:03 pm.

Several children had to be treated at a Port Moody elementary school Thursday afternoon after hot sauce was apparently smeared across a playground.

Police say they were called to Aspenwood Elementary at around 12:30 p.m. for reports that multiple children were having a reaction to an unknown substance.

Seven kids were eventually helped by paramedics due to exposure to their eyes. They were sent home for the rest of the day.

“This incident appears to be a deliberate act and we are actively investigating the matter to determine who is responsible,” said Cst. Sam Zacharias.

The unknown substance is believed to be hot sauce. Police say high-touch points around the playground appear to have been affected.

Investigators are hoping to speak with anyone who may have information about what happened.

They are urging witnesses who saw any suspicious behaviour around the school to come forward.

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