Syrian refugees pepper sprayed at “welcome Night” in Vancouver

VANCOUVER—Police said they were looking for a suspect after more than a dozen Syrian refugees were pepper sprayed late Friday night in Vancouver.

The attack happened outside the Muslim Association of Canada Centre during a “welcome night” event for newly-arrived Syrian refugees.

City police said a crowd of men, women and children had gathered outside the MAC centre when a man wearing a white-hoodie apparently rode by on a bicycle and sprayed 15 to 30 people.

Witnesses said several of those who were hit started coughing and complaining of burning eyes.

Police said that a number of people were treated on scene, but there was no word of any serious injuries.

Investigators said it was too early to comment on a possible motive for the attack.