A 25-year-old man has been arrested after he allegedly assaulted an 8-year-old girl in her front yard in Darwin’s northern suburb of Anula.

NT Police did not specify if the assault was sexual in nature, however they said the child “managed to break free” from the man.

Police said the incident happened around 4:35pm on Thursday when the man entered the girl’s front yard on McMillans Road and assaulted her.

The child managed to break free and scream, police said. The offender then fled over the fence into a neighbouring property.

Police said a neighbor heard the child’s scream and chased the alleged offender, apprehending him on the footpath nearby and holding him until police arrived.

The 25-year-old man was arrested on the scene and remains in custody pending charges.

Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Jon Beer said the girl suffered minor injuries in the assault but it was unclear if she had been taken to hospital.

“[She] was very brave in fighting back and getting away,” Snr Sgt Beer said.

“No child should have an experience like this and we will hold the offender to account.”

He also said they will continue with the investigation to determine exactly what happened.

NT Police are urging anyone who saw this incident or has CCTV or dash-cam footage that can help with the investigations to contact them.