The Maldives Police Service has announced a search for an expatriate man over sexual assault of a minor. 

Photograph, name, and passport number of the Bangladeshi man has been publicised, and officers have appealed to the public for assistance in locating the suspect.

The assault is being investigated by the police and has been reported to the Ministry of Gender, Family, and Social Services. 

The assault was reported in Hithadhoo district of the southern Addu City. 

Police on Tuesday confirmed that they are investigating the assault of a 9-year-old girl at a bookshop in capital city Malé as well. 

Gender Ministry statistics show that sexual assault is the most common form of violence against children int he Maldives.