Moviegoers pepper-sprayed at Surrey, B.C., cinema

Several people were pepper-sprayed while they watched a movie at a cinema in Surrey, B.C.,on Saturday evening, police said.

Surrey RCMP said a male suspect entered Theatre 6 of Landmark Cinemasin the city's Guildford area around 5:30 p.m. PT and sprayed patrons before leaving.

Police said 20-30 people, including children, were in the theatre at the time.

All of the moviegoers affected by thepepper spraywere treated at the scene and police say there were no injuries.

"This was a disturbing assault on movie theatre patronsthat will be fully investigated by police," says Surrey RCMP Cpl. Vanessa Munn.

Munn saidthere have been similar recent attacks in Alberta and Ontario and investigators are in contact with law enforcement agencies in those provinces.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Surrey RCMPat604-599-0502, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477or solvecrime.ca if they want to remain anonymous.

Police are also seeking dashcamfootage from the area surrounding the theatre, which is attached to the Guildford Town Centremall, between 5:20 p.m. and 5:40 p.m. on Saturday.

Vancouver tightens bear-spray sale rules

On Tuesday, Vancouver citycouncil unanimously approved tougher rules for the sale of bear spray following an increase in its use in crimes.

The new rules prohibit the sale of bear spray to anyone under 19. Stores will have to keep the spray locked up or inaccessible to the public and keep records of who is buying it.

In 2022, there were 729 assaults, robberies and threats involving bear spray in the city, according to the Vancouver Police Department a 68 per cent increase since 2018.

A city staff report noted that Surrey, Chilliwack and Port Coquitlam regulated bear spray sales in 1998, 2021 and 2022, respectively, which resulted in fewer incidents.