Northern Territory Police are calling for witnesses in relation to an alleged aggravated assault in Gray.

At around 9:40pm on Wednesday 22 April, a 51-year-old woman was walking to a residence in Moulden from the Palmerston CBD. As the victim entered an alley way off Temple Terrace adjacent to the Oasis Shopping Centre leading into Hannibal Crescent, she was followed by an unknown male on a scooter.

As the victim passed a vacant lot on Hannibal Crescent, the male allegedly grabbed her by the hair and dragged her into the vacant lot. The victim fought back during the assault, resulting in the male striking her several times to the face before he fled.

The male was followed from the scene by a witness, however the witness lost sight of the male behind the Gray Shopping Centre.

As a result of this assault, the victim suffered injuries and required hospitalisation overnight.

The male is described as being of Aboriginal appearance with a medium build, aged around 15 to 18, with dark hair. He was wearing a light coloured t-shirt, dark knee-length shorts, black baseball cap, and blue thongs with white straps. The scooter is described as being sliver or chrome in colour. The male was also in possession of a pair of small white earphones at the time.

Detective Sergeant Gavin Hopwood said, “We’re asking for anyone who may have seen or heard anything in the area at the time to come forward”.

“We would also like to encourage community members to be extra vigilant of their surroundings, particularly at night. It is easy for predators to target victims under the cover of darkness, especially when they are alone and there aren’t many other people nearby”.

“Fortunately for the victim in this matter, nearby residents were able to come to her aid quickly, causing the male to flee. We would like to thank those residents for their assistance”.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Please quote reference number 9282415.