Northern Territory Police are calling for witnesses to an aggravated assault on a 38-year-old woman in the underground carpark of the Palmerston Shopping Centre yesterday afternoon.

Detective Acting Senior Sergeant David Allan of the Serious Crime Squad said the woman was walking towards her car when she was approached by three female youths, aged 12, 13 and 15 about 3.30pm.

“The offenders allegedly demanded cigarettes and money.  When the victim said she didn’t have any, the offenders demanded the victim’s car keys, before grabbing her by the hair and assaulting her.”

“Two of the offenders were detained by security until police arrived. A third escaped, and remains outstanding.”

The 15-year-old was released from custody to be summonsed. The 13-year-old was released without charge, pending further investigation.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is urged to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.