An internal inquiry has been opened as two male 12-year-old students at a government school were suspended after allegedly sexually assaulting an 11-year-old female student.

Police are investigating the assault, which happened a few weeks ago but only came to light on Tuesday, after the girl told her mother about what happened.

The girl said that one of the students groped her breast while another groped her thigh, Times of Malta reported.

The incident is believed to have happened between 7am and 8am on school premises, prior to lessons beginning, but with some students already on scene. While faculty members and teachers supervise the premises, the incident allegedly occurred out of sight.

The boys’ parents were called in to be spoken to, and all three students will be receiving psychological help during this time.

In Malta, children under the age of 14 cannot be held criminally liable for breaking the law – however, in some cases, their parents can be found responsible for the act.