Police seek witnesses after child assaulted at Khalsa Day event in Surrey

Surrey Police Service says it is investigating an alleged assault involving a child during Khalsa Day celebrations on April 19 in Surrey.

According to a police news release, frontline officers responded around 5 p.m. to a report of an assault outside a gurdwara in the 12800 block of 85 Avenue. Investigators say an eight-year-old boy was inside a carnival attraction called “Kreepy Kastle,” set up in the parking lot for the event, when he was allegedly assaulted by two adult men.

Police say the child was able to escape and alert family members. He suffered injuries to his neck and was treated at hospital. The injuries are confirmed by police; the allegations have not been proven in court.

SPS says its Major Crime Unit and Special Victims Team have taken over the investigation. Officers have conducted neighbourhood canvassing and collected physical and digital evidence, which has led to two suspects being identified. They are described as South Asian adult males wearing dark clothing, with one wearing a turban and the other a distinctive brown shirt with a floral pattern.

Police say the carnival operator is cooperating and staff are not believed to be involved.

Investigators are asking anyone who attended the Khalsa Day event and has photos or video from inside or around the “Kreepy Kastle” between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact Surrey Police Service at 604-599-0502 and quote file number 26-37221, or reach out to Crime Stoppers.