Refugee child allegedly assaulted on Nauru

Nauruan police are investigating the alleged sexual assault of a refugee child by another refugee.

The Nauru Police Force on Thursday confirmed both the victim and the alleged attacker were refugees, with the alleged assault occurring in the community, not at the processing centre.

It said no Nauruan nationals were alleged to have been involved.

It also cautioned the Australian media, warning reports that police weren't moving fast enough were "incorrect and unhelpful".

"We take every complaint seriously but must ensure that due process applies," the statement said.

"We respectfully ask both those making uninformed comments to media and for Australian journalists to allow police to do their job."

A spokesperson for Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said the minister was aware of the allegations and that the matter was being investigated by Nauruan police.