Halifax Regional Police have concluded their search for a little girl believed to have gone missing in Halifax earlier today.
The child, said to be about five years old, was not located after an extensive search of Kearney Lake and the surrounding neighbourhood, and police say “there is no indication of foul play.”
“No missing person report has been filed by a parent or a guardian,” said an HRP news statement, released about nine hours after the search began.
“In light of these circumstances, the search at the lake has concluded. The investigation is ongoing.”
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Halifax Regional Police said they received a report at 12:15 p.m. from a bystander that a girl had been playing at the beach on Kearney Lake near Hamshaw Drive but couldn’t be found.
The girl was described as white, under four feet tall with a slim build and brown shoulder-length hair, and was last seen wearing a dark peach/maroon one-piece bathing suit.
Police say she left behind a pair of denim shorts with pink and green embroidery, a blue t-shirt with “Let’s go Ninja” written on it, a pair of swim goggles and a single key.
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They launched an immediate search and rescue mission involving boats, foot patrols and drones. They scoured the lake and surrounding area in the sweltering heat all afternoon and into the evening.
Civilian search and rescue volunteers assisted by searching the perimeter of Kearney Lake as members of the public observed the operations.
Police recalled the boat team just before 9 p.m. and have now reopened Hamshaw Drive for public access.
While the operation has been called off, police are still asking anyone with information on the incident to contact Halifax Regional Police or Crime Stoppers.