Police are calling for witnesses following an aggravated assault and robbery that occurred in Nhulunbuy early yesterday morning.

At approximately 5.20 am on Wednesday 14 December, a 16 year-old female was walking from the south of Melville Bay Road, along Matthew Flinders Way toward the Nhulunbuy Bakery on Arnhem Road. 

As the young woman walked past the driveway of the Peninsula Hotel on Matthew Flinders Way, she was approached from behind by a male.

Detective Constable First Class Damien Barbe said that the young woman called her father and alerted him to the situation.   

“Before the victim's father could come to her aid, she was punched and kicked repeatedly to the head and torso area. Her handbag was then stolen by the offender.

"The victim sustained serious injuries as a result of the assault, resulting in her medical evacuation from Gove Hospital to Royal Darwin Hospital for urgent treatment.

"Police are appealing for two male persons of Aboriginal appearance, of whom the victim saw just prior to the assault in the vicinity of the Peninsula Hotel, to come forward as they may be able to help Police with enquiries."

The offender is described as a young male of Aboriginal appearance, 170cm to 180 cm tall, of skinny and athletic build. 

He has short black and coloured cropped hair and was wearing a red baseball cap, a pair of white basketball style knee-length shorts and a pair of running shoes. He was also carrying a grey baseball cap bearing the insignia "Volcom". 

Police are also interested in identifying the persons in the attached CCTV image to assist with enquiries.

Police urge anyone that may have been in the area at the time of the incident, or who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously near the Peninsula Hotel on Matthew Flinders Way at around 5.20 am on Wednesday morning, to contact them on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

**Please see attached CCTV image of persons wanted for assistance with enquiries**