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Ottawa police have closed their investigation into a cargo van with the words “Free Candy” on the side panel that had caused a stir on social media when the van was spotted in Centretown, along with reports of a suspicious vehicle attempting to lure children.

Police, while releasing few details, said investigators have spoken with all parties involved and determined the vehicle’s registered owner is not responsible for the graffiti on the van and is not a threat to the public.

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Photos of the van had circulated on social media, with several people voicing concerns on Facebook posts. A Reddit thread posted Friday included a picture of the van, which appeared to have been photographed at the intersection of Gladstone Avenue and Booth Street.

Police said they had investigated several incidents involving a suspicious vehicle attempting to lure children in the Centretown West neighbourhood.

“At this time, there is no concern for public safety and the investigations are closed,” police said in a release.

The “Free Candy” meme has existed online for years, with pranksters using Photoshop to superimpose the phrase over pictures of cargo vans. It is not known whether the Ottawa case involved a similar prank.

ahelmer@postmedia.com

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