Detectives from the Major Crime Unit are investigating the serious assault of a 46-year-old woman that occurred in Palmerston early this morning.

At about 6.30 am police received a report that the woman was being assaulted by a male on the Driver side of Temple Terrace and Essington Avenue. Police located the woman lying on the footpath being treated by bystanders. St John Ambulance officers also attended the scene and treated the woman before conveying her to Royal Darwin Hospital.

The alleged male offender was described to police as:

Of Aboriginal appearance
Approximately 185-190 cm tall
Medium build
Aged late 20's to early 30's
Short hair
Wearing a pair of khaki King Gee work shorts and no shirt

It is alleged the woman was approached by the unknown male whilst out on her daily morning walk. The offender struck her on the left side of her head with a large rock and the victim is now in hospital in a stable condition.

The male offender fled the scene on foot onto O'Brien Court and then towards the Moulden area.

Superintendent Jo Foley of the Major Crime Division praised the actions of a nearby witness to the assault.

"If not for his intervention the assault could well have been far worse."

Police are appealing for witnesses to the assault and urge anyone who was in the area where the alleged assault took place, to contact them on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Media note: A media conference will be held today at 1.00 pm with Superintendent Jo Foley in the new Media Conference Room at the Peter McAulay Centre. Please assemble in the main foyer and media liaison staff will escort you to the room.


Media contact:
Sue Bradley
8922 3531