Pornographic images found on Kitchener elementary school playground
The Waterloo Regional Police Service is investigating after pornographic images, some of young children, were found on a playground at a Kitchener elementary school.
The pictures, described as "printed camera images" by the Waterloo Catholic District School Board, were discovered Thursday by children at St. Anne Catholic Elementary School on East Avenue.
There were 10 pornographic images in total. Seven of them depicted young girls believed to be between the ages of four and seven.
"These images were incredibly disturbing for the children who did find them," said Const. Andre Johnson.
John Shewchuck, the Chief Managing Officer for the WCDSB, released a statement to CTV News saying, in part: "School staff have spoken with the families of all the children who saw the images (as well as the children themselves), and continue to be available to offer support to anyone who may need it."
A letter to parents, signed by the principal and vice-principal, added: "Going forward, we will continue to monitor the school yard diligently to help guard against having a recurrence of this issue."
"At this point I don't have any information that any of the children were directly targeted," said Cont. Johnson. "Clearly, this was left on the playground at the school, which is a cause for concern."
Members of the Cybercrime, Major Crime and Forensic Identification Units are now investigating the matter, in collaboration with school officials.
"We are appealing to the community for anyone with any information whatsoever," said Const. Johnson. "There are folks who may think that the information that they have is insignificant, but I can tell you any piece will definitely help in solving this and finding the person responsible."
Police said it isn't the first time pornographic images have been found at the school. Images of adults were found in November, said Const. Johnson. Police are working to determine if the two incidents are connected.
They are specifically looking for video surveillance taken between 7 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Jan. 20.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires at apparent Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
An apparent Israeli drone attack on Iran saw troops fire air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan, an assault coming in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Ottawa to force banks to call carbon rebate a carbon rebate in direct deposits
Canadian banks that refuse to identify the carbon rebate by name when doing direct deposits are forcing the government to change the law to make them do it, says Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.
DEVELOPING Israel targets air defence system in Syria, state news agency says
Israel carried out a missile strike targeting an air defence unit in southern Syria, causing material damage, state-run SANA news agency quoted a military statement as saying Friday.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.