A 19-year-old man is in custody following the alleged assault of a 45-year-old woman in Berrimah early this morning.

Detective Senior Sergeant Bradley Currie from the Sex Crimes Squad said at around 6:20am the woman was on the Vanderlin Drive walking path, approximately 300m from the Shoal Bay Waste Facility Road turn off, when she was approached by a male unknown to her.

“The woman was grabbed from behind and following a struggle was able to flee from the offender and wave down a passing male motorist,” Detective Senior Sergeant Currie said.

“Police were called and located the 19-year-old male nearby.

“He remains in Police custody assisting with enquiries.”

Police urge anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who may have seen any unusual or suspicious behaviour in the Karama/Berrimah area at the time, to contact Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.