Police guard school after assault

POLICE are guarding the entrances to a Cairns high school where classes have been called off after a serious assault on a woman.

A crime scene has been established covering a large part of Cairns State High School, and police have also cordoned off the sports oval.

After the overnight attack, students were told not to show up for classes on Tuesday.

Education Queensland has advised students to stay at home but has made arrangements for students who do attend.

Police could not confirm media reports that victim, believed to be a tourist, was raped.