RCMP in Saskatchewan say they've received 14 complaints of a man in a van approaching children in communities north and east of Saskatoon — and one child has been assaulted.

Reports have come in from Melfort, Debden, Muskoday First Nation, Ahtahkakoop First Nation, James Smith First Nation, Mistawasis First Nation, Kinistin First Nation and two other communities.

The suspicious vehicle has been reported as a newer white van with dark windows.

According to the RCMP, since May 22, boys and girls between the ages of eight and 13 have been approached by a man, described as Caucasian or Métis, who offers them candy to get inside the van. On Monday, police said there had been seven complaints, but by Thursday that number had climbed to 14 complaints from nine communities.

The most serious incident happened on Mistawasis First Nation, about 140 kilometres northeast of Saskatoon.

The mother of a nine-year-old boy said three weeks ago that she found her son outside — bruised, scratched, stripped to his underwear.

"I said, 'What happened?' He said, 'Mom, someone was trying to take me in a white van.'"

The family said the boy has been reluctant to disclose details of the attack.

The boy's mother wonders whether police are taking the reports seriously. She said it took weeks for the RCMP to issue a public alert.

However, RCMP Sgt. Carole Raymond said a warning went out as soon as a pattern emerged. Parents should talk to their children about being careful and staying safe, she said.

"Travel in groups, let your parents know what time you are going, what time you are coming back," she said.

Police are asking anyone with information to call them.