A 12-year-old girl was injured this evening when she was hit in the eye by a hard object, the police said.

The accident happened in Freedom Square, Valletta at 8.45pm.

The Valletta resident was in the company of some friends when she was hit in the eye. The police did not say whether the hit was accidental or deliberate.

It is understood that the hard object the police are referring to is a key.

The girl was taken to hospital for treatment.

The police on Sunday morning issued a second statement saying that the girl was being treated for serious injuries, and that a magisterial inquiry led by Magistrate Doreen Clarke has been launched.