Katherine Police are currently investigating an attempted sexual assault which occurred in Katherine overnight.

Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Jeremy Brunton said the victim, a 41-year-old female, was approached by an unknown male on O’Shea Terrace near the intersection of Fourth Street at around 11:30pm.

“It is alleged the male assaulted the woman and attempted to sexually assault her, however he was fought off and ran from the scene,” Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Brunton said.

The offender is described to be of Aboriginal appearance and about 30 years of age, short athletic build with short curly hair. At the time of the assault he was wearing a dark shirt and dark pants. He may have had a knife holster attached to his belt.

Police urge anyone who may have information relating to this incident, or anyone who may have seen a man matching this description between Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning, to contact Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.