A 22-year-old man has been arrested over the alleged sexual assault of a child in broad daylight in Driver on Wednesday afternoon, NT Police have said.

In a statement on Friday morning Detective Superintendent Mark Malogorski said the entire Crime Division, along with forensics, and general duties had been working to identify and arrest the person responsible for the alleged sexual assault. He said a 22-year-old man had been arrested but did not give a time or date for the arrest

On Wednesday night police issued a statement asking the public for information following what they described only as alleged assault in the “vicinity of Widdup Crescent Driver” in the afternoon, and gave a description of the alleged offender but gave no time for the alleged attack.

It was not until late morning on Thursday that police informed the public the alleged sexual assault was against a child aged between six and 10 years, and that the alleged offender was still on the loose.

In a subsequent statement, police alleged that about 2.30pm the day before, the man walked into the house but was disturbed by someone at the home, and then ran away naked.

Det Supt Malogorski said he expected the man to be charged later Friday, and police want anyone with relevant CCTV to call them.

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 131 444 or make an anonymous report through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.