Brantford police issue statement after social media post on sex assault by three men

A social media post alleging “three men” had sexually assaulted a woman prompted the Brantford Police Service to issue a statement addressing questions about why a public advisory was not issued.

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A social media post alleging “three men” had sexually assaulted a Brantford woman near a local park prompted the Brantford Police Service to issue a statement addressing questions about why a public advisory was not issued in the aftermath.

Brantford police confirmed in a statement sent to True North that they had received a report of a “assault” occurring in the area of Cedarland Park after claims circulated widely on Facebook and Reddit. According to police, the matter remains under “active investigation.”

A local resident posted on Facebook Monday night describing an alleged sexual assault at the park and warning neighbours to avoid the area after dark.

“I’m sure a lot of you saw the police cars and ambulance yesterday around 8:30pm at the field behind Cedarland,” the post read, before cautioning: “Please, if you have to go through the field or the park after dark, don’t travel alone.”

“Yesterday evening three men sexually assaulted a woman in our community at the hill. I will not get into details to protect this woman’s identity but please if you have to go through the field or the park after dark please don’t travel alone,” the post continued.

The post, which alleged that three men were involved, quickly spread to TikTok and Reddit. Police have not confirmed details about the incident or the identities of any suspects.

When contacted by True North, Robin Matthews-Osmond, corporate communications manager for the Brantford Police Service, confirmed an incident occurred in the area and that an active investigation is underway.

The statement did not specifically address whether this particular assault was sexual in nature. However, they did offer True North a statement reaffirming the service’s commitment to protecting the safety and privacy of potential victims.

“The Brantford Police Service takes all reports of sexual assault seriously,” reads the statement.

“We recognize the courage of survivors who come forward and are committed to treating every report with compassion, dignity, and respect.”

“Allegations that a report has not been taken seriously are deeply concerning and will be reviewed,” the statement continues.

“The Brantford Police Service carefully considers when a public warning is appropriate. In this case, the matter remains under active investigation, and releasing details at this time could compromise the integrity of that investigation.”

Additionally, the Brantford police added: “While we will not comment on open investigations, we want to reassure the community that all reports of sexual assault are taken seriously, and investigators are committed to conducting a thorough and professional investigation.”

Asked why no public safety notice had been issued, Matthews-Osmond said the service takes such warnings “very seriously,” but could not provide additional information due to the ongoing investigation.