A one-year-and-seven-month-old girl is in serious condition after she entered the sea alone and began struggling to breathe in Marsaxlokk on Saturday night.

Police said they were informed at around 10.30pm that assistance was required in the area of Bajja tal-Magħluq.

According to preliminary information, the girl, who lives in Żabbar, moved away from a family member and entered the sea alone for a short time.

She reportedly swallowed some water and began struggling to breathe.

Police officers and a medical team immediately went to the scene, where they found the child being assisted by a family member.

She was taken by ambulance to Mater Dei Hospital, where she was certified as being in critical condition.

Magistrate Monica Borg Galea was informed of the incident and appointed an inquiry.

Police investigations are ongoing.