Inquiry to be held over alleged assault of five-year-old girl

The Northern Territory's Children’s Commissioner has served notice on Northern Territory Government and NT Police that she will commence a preliminary inquiry into the alleged sexual assault of a five-year-old girl in a central Australian town.

9NEWS has been told the young girl was flown to Alice Springs Hospital following the alleged assault by two 10-year-old boys on Saturday.

A spokesperson for Territory Families confirmed the department, with NT Police, were investigating allegations, “of the sexualised behaviour of three children under the age of 10”.

9NEWS understands the child has been discharged from hospital and Territory Families says she is safe and with family.

Children’s Commissioner Colleen Gwynne says her preliminary inquiry will determine whether further investigation is required.

She said she will be looking back at the five-year-old’s life and her circumstances because there is still concern the cumulative harm of a child isn’t being properly assessed.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner was hesitant to comment.

“It’s much too early for me to comment on it and obviously, like everything, it’s always troubling when you hear an allegation or report in these circumstances,” Mr Gunner said.

The Northern Territory’s child protection issues have been under the spotlight after the alleged rape of a two-year-old girl by a 25-year-old man in Tennant Creek.