Northern Territory police are calling for information after an eight-year-old girl fought off an alleged attacker in her front yard.
Acting Police Commissioner Michael Murphy said the incident happened about 4:30pm on Thursday in the northern Darwin suburb of Anula.
"An eight-year-old girl was in her front yard and a unknown person not known to the resident entered the yard and grabbed the young girl," Commissioner Murphy said.
"She fought him off bravely, a tremendous effort."
The girl was allegedly assaulted by the man and suffered minor injuries.
Commissioner Murphy said the commotion alerted the residents of the home, who intervened.
He said the man then ran away, jumping several fences.
The residents of the girl's home chased the alleged offender, Commissioner Murphy said, and apprehended him a few streets away.
Police attended soon after and arrested a 25-year-old man, who remains in custody pending charges.
The incident happened near McMillans Road in Anula.
Commissioner Murphy described the attack as a "pretty horrendous act" and said officers were now working through what the alleged offender's intent was.
He is calling for anyone with information about the incident to get in touch and quote reference number 9905703.
"Anyone in that area, Anula, who hasn't reported suspicious activity for a male in the area around about 4:30pm yesterday, please contact police on 131 444," Commissioner Murphy said.
"Tell us about it so we can help build a picture of his behaviours prior to that event."
He said anyone who was travelling along McMillans Road at the time and had dash-cam footage should also reach out to police.
