A Cairns school has been shut down after the sexual assault of a female backpacker.

Students were told to stay home while police continue to investigate the incident.

Kieran Rooney reports.

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TRANSCRIPT

It’s believed the 20-year-old backpacker was attacked while walking past the Cairns State High school on her way home.

She was found earlier today on a street corner with significant head injuries.

The backpacker was taken to Cairns Base Hospital for surgery where her condition isn’t considered to be life threatening.

Officers on the scene found evidence of the assault inside the school grounds.

Insp. John Hartwell, Far Northern Regional Police: “The investigation has now centered around an area of the Cairns State High School where police have located blood and some items of clothing.”

When students arrived for classes today, they found their school had become a crime scene, with police guarding every entrance.

Some students were sent home while teachers remained to supervise those unable to.

Connor Roberts, Cairns State High School Student: “Everyone’s just been told to go home and school’s not on today until further notice, so I’m not sure if we’re going tomorrow and all the exams are being rescheduled.”

Although officers remained on the scene Education Queensland says the school will reopen tomorrow.

Police are calling for anyone with information to come forward as soon as possible.

Kieran Rooney, QUT News.