The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has launched an investigation into a sexual assault case involving a minor, reported to the authority from an island in the north-central province.

Police revealed that officers in the north-central province of the Maldives comprising of Kaafu, Alif Alif, Alif Dhaal and Vaavu atolls, received the report on Thursday and the incident is to have taken place on May 23.

The minor was reportedly at home when an individual called the girl outside and attempted to sexually assault her.

Police earlier assured that they investigate cases related to sexual assault against children, as serious cases.

However, further details regarding the island and atoll have not been disclosed to ensure confidentiality.

No arrests have been made in connection to the case, yet.

Authorities earlier revealed that several cases of child abuse were identified through the Maldives Child Protection Database (MCPD) during the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, there have been concerns regarding child abuse risks amid the pandemic.

The Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services has assured that their work is ongoing without interruption and that measures to monitor abuse cases have been put in place as well.