Northern Territory Police are calling for witnesses to an incident in Anula yesterday afternoon in which a child was assaulted.

Police received a report at 4:35pm that a man had entered the front yard of a property on McMillans Road and allegedly assaulted an 8-year-old girl.

The child managed to break free and raised the alarm, with the offender fleeing over the fence into a neighbouring property.

A resident chased the alleged offender, apprehending him on the footpath nearby and holding him until police arrived.

The 25-year-old man was arrested on the scene and remains in custody pending charges.

Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Jon Beer said, “The girl suffered minor injuries and was very brave in fighting back and getting away. Investigations are continuing to determine exactly what happened and we urge anyone who saw this incident or other unusual activity in the area to contact police.

“No child should have an experience like this and we will hold the offender to account.”

If you have information, CCTV or dash-cam footage that can help, please contact police on 131 444 and quote reference 9905703.