Police in Alice Springs are investigating an incident yesterday evening in which a woman was assaulted.

The 18-year-old woman was jogging on the Eastside Trail towards the Telegraph Station from Gosse St, on the eastern side of Spencer Hill, when she was confronted by a young man unknown to her.

The man allegedly grabbed the victim while exposing his genitals. The woman managed to break free and run for help. The offender decamped with the victim’s mobile phone.

Detective Sergeant Janice Kershaw said, “This was a very distressing experience for the young woman and police are putting all efforts, including drones and the canine unit, into identifying and apprehending the offender, who remains outstanding at this time.”

The offender is described as an Aboriginal man in his late teens or early 20s. At the time of the incident around 5:30pm, he was wearing a black hoodie with white writing, and dark shorts.

Police are keen to speak with anyone who was in the area between 5:15pm and 5:40pm yesterday. Please contact police on 131 444 and quote reference 10052805.