Media reports say Nova Scotia's energy minister is on a temporary leave from cabinet because he was the victim of an alleged assault.

Andrew Younger had requested a temporary leave from his ministerial duties on Dec. 23, citing unspecified personal matters.

Media reports Tuesday citing unnamed sources say Younger was assaulted in October 2013 by a woman who was a Liberal staffer and now faces an assault charge.

Story continues below advertisement

Younger's office said he was not available to comment on the matter.

Halifax police Const. Pierre Bourdages would only say that police became aware of information on Nov. 19 that led to a month-long investigation.

Bourdages said as a result, a woman was arrested on Dec. 19, charged with assault and is due in court on Jan. 28 under orders not to contact the alleged male victim.

He said the man and woman know each other and it was not a random incident, but he could not release the names of either person.

Bourdages said police became aware of the matter while they were looking into another case, but he couldn't offer details as it is still under investigation.

Laurel Munroe, a spokeswoman for Premier Stephen McNeil, issued a statement saying she would not comment on it because it is a personal matter.

Munroe said Younger met with the premier's chief of staff on Dec. 19 to discuss personal matters and the premier was informed of the meeting the same day.

Story continues below advertisement

She said Younger requested a temporary leave on Dec. 23, which was granted by McNeil.