A South Asian man has been arrested for an alleged sexual assault on English Bay on Sunday but charges are still to be approved. A woman in her 40s was sunbathing at the beach around 7:30 p.m. Sunday when she was approached by the Man who claimed to be a massage therapist. The man began touching the woman and then sexually assaulted her before walking away. Police said they are unable, by law, to name the suspect or release his picture at this stage of the investigation.

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff

VANCOUVER– A South Asian man has been arrested for an alleged sexual assault on English Bay on Sunday but charges are still to be approved.

Vancouver Police said they are investigating a sexual assault that occurred on a busy beach in the city’s West End on Sunday, and ask anyone with information to come forward.

A woman in her 40s was sunbathing at the beach around 7:30 p.m. Sunday when she was approached by a man who claimed to be a massage therapist. The man began touching the woman and then sexually assaulted her before walking away.

The victim called 9-1-1 and provided a description of the suspect after he walked north, toward Stanley Park. VPD officers began searching the area and located a suspect. He was arrested, but charges have not yet been approved by Crown counsel and the investigation is ongoing.

VPD investigators believe the same man may have approached a number of other people on the beach during the busy weekend, and would like to speak to anyone who interacted with him or saw him massaging other beachgoers.

The suspect is a South Asian man in his 30s, with a medium-heavy build and short, dark hair. At the time of the offence, he was wearing a black hat, black sunglasses, a white and blue striped shirt, and beige cargo shorts. Police said they are unable, by law, to name the suspect or release his picture at this stage of the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call 604-717-4034.