Alice Springs Police are calling for public assistance in relation to the alleged aggravated assault of a 9-year-old girl at a park on the weekend.

It is alleged the girl was playing with her friend in the Frank McEllister Community Park on Larapinta Drive when she was approached by two men on Sunday around 4pm.

It is alleged the girl was riding a bike when the men dragged her into nearby bushes. The girl has managed to yell out and the men fled and were last seen running down a laneway near Beechcraft Court. The girl returned to safety.

Police are conducting further enquiries surrounding the incident, however are calling for anyone who may have witnessed or heard anything in that area around 4pm yesterday to contact them.

Detective Acting Snr Sgt Leith Phillips said initial reports indicate a woman who was walking a small dog in the area at the time may have witnessed the incident.

“Initial information we have at this time is that a woman was seen walking a small dog in the area at the time the alleged incident occurred,” said Detective A/Snr/Sgt Phillips

“We would appreciate it if that woman, or anyone who may have information or have witnessed this incident to contact Police.”