Police investigating child-luring suspect in East Vancouver

The Vancouver Police Department has launched an investigation after a man allegedly tried to lure an 11-year-old girl in East Vancouver on Sunday night.

The VPD says it is on the hunt for an unidentified suspect who allegedly called out to the girl from across the street as she was walking home from Grays Park near East 33rd Ave and St. Catherines Street.

He allegedly asked her to come with him and followed her when she refused and walked away.

The girl was able to flag down a passing driver who took her home safely. She later reported the incident to the VPD.

Police described the suspect as a tall man in his 30s with bushy eyebrows, a deep voice, and pronounced facial features – high cheekbones, a wide jaw, a big nose and ears, and dark circles under his eyes.

At the time of the incident, he wore a dark-coloured hoodie underneath a long-sleeved, plaid flannel shirt, dark jeans, and black Doc Marten-style shoes. He had a dark backpack and was riding a blue Trek mountain bike.

The VPD has released an image of the suspect captured by a CCTV camera in the neighbourhood.

Anyone with information to help identify the man is asked to call the VPD Special Investigation Section (604-717-0604).

Police say they have increased patrols in the area.