An indecent act against a woman in Alice Springs that appears could have escalated quickly was not reported by police media for nearly a week, with police today calling for the public’s help to identify a man who exposed himself to the woman and attempted to grab her.

Police did not explain in the Wednesday statement why they did not alert the public earlier about the incident that occurred last Thursday, December 12.

It is alleged that around 7:45pm a 20-year-old woman was walking south of the Stott Terrace roundabout along Leichhardt Terrace towards Barrett Drive when a man drove past her on a bicycle before stopping and indecently exposing himself to her and then attempting to grab her arm.

The victim walked away from the man before being picked up by people she knew. Police said the offender left the area after the friends arrived.

Police claimed they “immediately commenced” an investigation after the incident was reported to them the next day, but did not explain why they did not seek the public’s assistance until today and failed to notify the public.

The incident occurred the same day the Chief Minister and Police Commissioner flew to town amid a violent crime surge.

Police media said CCTV footage was collected in which the offender was observed near the Stott Terrace roundabout just before the incident.

“The man is described as being of dark complexion, 6ft tall, wearing a red or bright coloured jersey, light coloured pants, and white shoes. He was riding/walking with a light-yellow coloured bicycle,” police media director Mark Wilton said in the statement.

“Detectives and investigators are now calling for the public’s assistance.

“Police are urging anyone with information, particularly with dashcam footage from the Tuncks Road causeway and surrounds between 7.45pm – 8.00pm on Thursday 12 December, to contact police on 131 444. Quote reference NTP2400127616. Anonymous reports can be made to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.”