Members of Strike Force Viper have arrested two female youths for assaulting and attempting to steal from a woman in Alice Springs on Wednesday.

It is alleged just after 5pm on Wednesday, the two youths approached a 54 year old woman from behind and grabbed the woman’s handbag.

The woman held onto the bag and was dragged to the ground and physically assaulted by the pair, who fled the area after multiple witnesses intervened.

The woman was transported to hospital for treatment where she was later released.

Investigations by Strike Force Viper identified the two offenders who were arrested and charged late yesterday.

The pair, both aged 15, will appear before court each charged with two counts each of Assault with intent to steal and two counts of Serious breach of bail.