Police are investigating an assault which occurred in Nightcliff in the early hours of this morning.

Police received a report just after 4.30am that a 56-year-old woman had been sexually assaulted near the Woolworths shopping complex. Police were told by the victim that she was walking along Progress Drive about 3am when she was approached by a man. The man started walking alongside her and when they approached the child care centre near the supermarket the man assaulted her by punching her repeatedly to the head. He then sexually assaulted her.

The offender fled when he was disturbed by supermarket staff arriving for work . Police and ambulance were called and the woman was taken to Royal Darwin Hospital.

Detectives from the Darwin Investigations Unit and a forensic crew attended and investigations are continuing.

The alleged offender is described as being in his 20s, of Aboriginal appearance, approximately 170cm tall with a slim build and brown hair. He was wearing three-quarter length denim shorts and a dark t-shirt and brown sandals.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have been in the area at the time of the assault to come forward. Anyone with information should phone 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Media contact:
Theresa Kuilboer
(08) 89223531
0437 293 609