A 51 year old Maldivian man has been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a 10 year old girl in an island within the jurisdiction of South Central Police.

The incident was reported to police yesterday, and officers acted to detain the suspect.

Given the sensitivity of the matter and the age of the victim, authorities have decided not to disclose the name of the atoll or island where the assault occurred to protect the identity of the child involved.