Police are calling for public assistance after a 24-year-old female was assaulted in Darwin City overnight.

It is alleged the woman was walking along Daly Street just before 9:00pm when she was approached an unknown male and female near the Smith Street roundabout.

The male is alleged to have asked her for a cigarette before she walked ahead in an effort to lose him. As she was walking away he allegedly grabbed her by the hair causing her to fall to the ground before attempting to steal her handbag. The woman managed to hold on to her bag and scream for help causing the pair to flee down Smith Street toward the vicinity of Uncle Sams.

The woman received minor injuries as a result of the assault.

The two offenders were sighted running from the vicinity of Uncle Sams just prior to the assault.

They are described as:

Male of aboriginal appearance
Approximately 17-year-old
Approximately 170 centimetres tall
Slim build
Long hair pulled back into a pony tail
Wearing a dark t-shirt and shorts at the time of the incident

Female of aboriginal appearance
Approximately 165 centimetres tall
Large build
Curly hair pulled back
Wearing dark coloured clothing at the time of the incident

Meanwhile, police are investigating a similar assault that occurred early this morning in Nightcliff.

It is alleged a 20-year-old woman was walking along Casuarina Drive at about 1:20am when the incident occurred.

She was approached by a male and female before the male asked for money and cigarettes. When the woman continued to walk away the man pulled her hair causing her to fall to the ground before punching and slapping her to the face.

A packet of cigarettes were stolen from the victim before the offenders fled the area.

The victim was conveyed to RDH as a precaution.

The victim described the offenders as:

Male of aboriginal appearance
Late teens early twenties
Around 180 centimetres tall
Long hair tied into a pony tail
Wearing a red shirt with jeans and boots

Female of aboriginal appearance
Mid to late teens
Medium build
Wearing a white shirt

Police are investigating the possibility the incidents are connected.

Police urge any one who may have witnessed the attacks or who may have further information in relation to either incidents to contact them on 131 44 or on crime stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Media Contact:
Rickie Scoot
8922 3185