Sexual assault of girl, 2, in a storeroom at a Sydney playcentre is now believed to be a FALSE ALARM – after CCTV showed no one going near her
- A two-year-old girl went missing in a Lollipop’s Playland in Sydney on Sunday
- It was initially thought she may have been sexually assaulted by unknown man
- NSW Police now believe that was a false alarm after checking all CCTV footage
- Girl was found to be suffering injuries which were unrelated to any sex assault
Claims a young girl was sexually assaulted at a playcentre in Sydney’s south-west are now believed to have been a false alarm.
NSW Police began a manhunt after the two-year-old was found crying in a storeroom at Lollipop’s Playland, in Penrith, about 12.20pm on Sunday.
She was found with minor injuries, leading to fears she had been sexually assaulted.
But NSW Police have now said they believe the child’s injuries were not related to any sexual act and while continuing their investigation, believe it to be a false alarm.
Claims a young girl was sexually assaulted at Lollipop’s playcentre (pictured) at Penrith, in Sydney’s south-west are now believed to have been a false alarm
CCTV cameras are understood to show the toddler entering the back area alone and no one else in the vicinity of her until help arrives
‘Investigations by the child abuse and sex crimes squad are continuing following reports that a two-year-old girl was sexually assaulted at a play centre in Penrith on Sunday,’ a police spokesperson said.
‘Following a review of CCTV footage and a forensic exam of the location, there is no evidence at this time to confirm initial reports that a sexual offence has occurred within the play centre.
‘Inquiries are continuing.’
CCTV cameras are understood to show the toddler entering the back area alone and no one else in the vicinity of her until help arrives.
It is thought the youngster squeezed through a hole next to the childproof gate.
Police are expecting to be able to close their investigation next week when final DNA test results are received.
The girl’s worried mother and other parents desperately searched for 20 minutes but were unable to find the girl.
Eventually, another child who heard her ‘crying and in a distressed state’ discovered the injured girl in the storeroom and informed the mother.
NSW Police began a manhunt after the two-year-old was found crying in a storeroom at the playcentre about 12.20pm on Sunday
She was treated for a number of minor injuries at Westmead Children’s Hospital.
‘Our team is cooperating fully with the police investigation into this matter. Our thoughts and concerns are with everyone involved in this incident, especially the family,’ Lollipop’s Playland said in a statement.
‘Penrith Lollipops is a franchise of Lollipops Playland. The safety of our customers and staff is always our highest priority. We thank everyone for their support and understanding as we look further into this matter.’
Lollipop’s Playground had a register of customers due to COVID-19 contact-tracing requirements.
NSW Police initiated a crime scene and Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad officers launched their investigation.
Lollipop’s Playland and Café is a national play centre chain with 28 locations across the country in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, WA, SA, and the ACT