Police are searching for a man who allegedly indecently assaulted a woman in Parap early Monday morning after knocking her to the ground from behind before witnesses scared him off.

Police said a woman was walking along the Stuart Highway at around 5am when she was approached by an unknown man.

The woman engaged with the man briefly before walking towards Parap Road but the man then grabbed the woman from behind and both fell to the ground where her “indecently assaulted the woman”.

“Nearby witnesses intervened and the offender fled towards Parap Road,” police said in a statment.

“The man is described as being of Aboriginal appearance, wearing a red and black shirt with red shorts.

“Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information that could assist police is urged to call 131 444. Please quote reference number 22321956.”