Family of toddler withdraws sexual assault complaint

Halifax police say the family of a toddler who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault is withdrawing their complaint.

Spokeswoman Const. Dianne Woodworth said the department respects their decision not to move ahead with what could result in a potential court case.

“We respect their decision as what has happened is traumatic and overwhelming,” she said in a statement. “In general terms a family in these circumstances needs to digest the entire situation including what their child would have to go through as part of the investigation and court process.”

Woodworth said police would continue to investigate, however, because there is a “broader safety issue.”

Police have said the incident happened around 7:30 p.m. Friday in the area of Wood Avenue when a young girl was outside playing with a group of children.

A man asked her to come with him, then took her behind a building and touched her in a sexual manner.

The incident was reported to police by one of the child’s parents about half an hour later.