Alleged rape of five-year-old boy 'an absolute tragedy'

The alleged rape of a five-year-old boy in far north Queensland is an "absolute tragedy", according to police commissioner Katarina Carroll.

Three boys, aged between 10 and 13, are being dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act over the alleged sexual assault.

The incident occurred on a beach at Napranum, a community in the Cape York Peninsula, just after 7pm on July 1.

"It's being dealt with, we're working with the community and it shouldn't happen," she said.

"It's tragic and it has been investigated and as I said we're working with the victim, the family and obviously the offending children as well."