A German tourist who was assaulted near the Wills Terrace causeway in Alice Springs at the weekend gave her attacker a surprise when she fought back.

The 20-year-old woman and her 19-year-old female companion were walking near the causeway around 11pm on Saturday when they were approached by a male who asked them for a cigarette.

When they told him they did not have any the male punched the 20-year-old to the head, however the woman - who has a black belt in karate - fought back punching and kicking the offender several times.

The male then turned and fled and the two women were assisted by a passing motorist.

In a separate incident, a French tourist was assaulted and had her purse stolen at her backpackers accommodation on Sunday night.

Police received a report around 8.30pm that two female French tourists were leaving their room at Toddy's Backpackers when they were approached by a man near the stairway. The man became aggressive when one of the women told him to leave after he allegedly made inappropriate comments to the women.

The offender then ran towards one of the women pushing her to the ground before snatching her purse and running off.

The women told police they ran after the man who fled in a northerly direction towards the CBD, however, the purse was found near the entrance to the complex.

Police are calling for anyone who may have witnessed either of the assaults to come forward. Anyone with information should phone police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at http://www.nt.crimestoppers.com.au/.


Media contact:
Theresa Kuilboer
8951 8825