Nine Maldivians have been arrested in connection with an alleged sexual assault involving a woman and allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation of minors, police have said.

Police said a 22-year-old woman was injured in the incident and that one person had been arrested over an alleged group sexual assault.

The investigation also uncovered allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation involving minors, according to police.

A special police team has been sent to the island from Male' to investigate the case.

Police said that they are investigating this as a serious case.