23-year-old Italian woman is said to have been sexually abused by a 10-year-old boy in Cairns

An international tourist was allegedly sexually assaulted by a 10-year-old boy before being “assaulted” by other youths at a busy intersection in Cairns.

The 23-year-old Italian woman escaped with minor injuries at the intersection of Lake and Spence St, near the city’s main hotel district, at 10 a.m. Wednesday in what police described as a “traumatic experience.”

“An international tourist was going about her business when she walked past a 10-year-old male child,” said Detective Inspector Kevin Goan.

Newsletter: Breaking news as it happens. Subscribe now

“He (allegedly) sexually abused her.”

When she tried to get help, she was allegedly “attacked by a number of other youths,” Goan said.

They allegedly attacked her, leaving “minor bruises and scratches on her head and face,” the investigator said.

Police were nearby and responded “within minutes,” Goan said.

The 10-year-old boy and three other children who “were involved in the attack on this young woman” were arrested at the scene, he said.

The four children in custody, who are known to police, have yet to be charged as officers continue to investigate the matter.

Goan said it was “disgusting” that the children allegedly involved were so young.

“People have the right to go about their business in our community and it would have been a traumatic experience for a young lady if this had happened,” he said.

READ MORE