A young male has been remanded in custody after being arrested and charged for an alleged attempted sexual assault in Katherine overnight.

Katherine police are calling for witnesses to the attack, which occurred in Holtze Crescent just before 10.30pm last night.

Detective Senior Constable Hollingsworth of the Northern Investigation Section said the young female victim of the assault was able to escape her attacker and flee to safety.

"This alleged attack appears to have been sexually motivated,” said Detective Senior Constable Hollingsworth.

“Fortunately, the victim was able to physically resist her attacker and fled from the scene to a place of safety, where she disclosed the assault at about 10.30pm last night.” "

"The matter was later reported to Police, which resulted in the arrest of the offender a short time later,” said Detective Senior Constable Hollingsworth. The Youth has been charged with:

Attempt sexual intercourse without consent - child under the age of 16 years;

Aggravated Assault; and

Breach of Bail

The alleged offender has been remanded in custody to appear before the Youth Justice Court in Katherine on Monday, 15th October 2012. Police urge anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious in the area to contact them on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.