Northern Territory Police are calling for witnesses to an assault on two backpackers in Alice Springs early this morning.

Detective Senior Sergeant Peter Malley from the Southern Tactical Investigations Squad said the tourists – a brother and sister – alleged they were assaulted by two unknown men on Traeger Avenue about 5.30am.

“The male of the pair was assaulted by the two men, who then fled with the tourists’ backpacks,” he said.

Both men are described as of Indigenous appearance. One was wearing a red hat, dark hoody and dark pants. The other was wearing a black hat and hoody.

“Following the attack, the two men ran along Traeger Avenue, across the Stuart Highway and towards Bloomfield Street,” Senior Sergeant Malley said.

“The female was unharmed in the attack, while her brother was taken to hospital with minor facial injuries.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.