Police say tip from Middle East led to 5-year-old Regina girl being rescued from online exploitation

Warning: This article may affect those who have experienced​ ​​​sexual violence or know someone affected by it.

Saskatoon police say a tip from across the world led to a 51-year-old man being arrested in Regina and charged with making child pornography.

A post on the Saskatoon Police Service Facebook page says the call came at around 4 a.m. CST on Monday. A man in the Middle East said he had been using an online randomized chat room and saw a livestream of a man "committing an indecent act in a room where a prepubescent girl was also present."

The caller emailed details and screenshots to the police, who tried to identify the location.

Two addresses in Saskatoon were believed to be connected and police immediately dispatched officers. They spoke to residents at both addresses and determined them not to be involved, police say.

As that unfolded, the tipster nearly 11,000 kilometres away returned to the chat room with the suspect and obtained further evidence to assist in the investigation.

Saskatoon officers then determined the suspect was at a home in Regina. The Regina Police Service was called to respond and officers found the 51-year-old suspect and a 5-year-old girl.

The man was arrested and charged for making child pornography. The police seized his electronics and are continuing to investigate along with the Saskatchewan ICE Unit. The girl is now receiving support from Victim Services.

If you're in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911. For support in your area, you can look for crisis lines and local services via the Ending Sexual Violence Association of Canada database.