Police in Nadi are investigating an incident where a 9-year-old girl from Yavusania Village was struck by lightning and died instantly on Sunday.

Her brother noticed her lying motionless on the ground and alerted the family who then rushed her to hospital but she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Western Police Spokesperson Wame Boutolu said the girl who was only wearing a raincoat as protection and her brother went to tend to their cattle and sheep on Sunday afternoon while it was raining.

He added people should exercise caution when there are reports of thunderstorms.

Meanwhile, Police in Lautoka are still searching for a man who is alleged to have raped a 20-year-old tertiary student over the weekend.

According to Boutolu the incident took place when the victim was returning home after a drinking party.