A woman was stabbed and bashed in an Alice Springs street in the early hours of this morning before being dragged away from the scene of the attack, with the victim still unknown and the offender on the run, NT Police said.

Police director of communications Mark Wilton said that about 10:45am today police were told about blood on the footpath outside an office building on Bagot Street in The Gap.

“Upon review of CCTV, police observed at 4:45am this morning a male offender allegedly stabbed a female victim with an unknown object, before physically assaulting her multiple times,” Mr Wilton said.

“The victim was allegedly dragged from the area by the offender towards Tuncks Road. Investigations have commenced and police hold concerns for the welfare of the victim.”

Mr Wilton said the offender was shirtless, wearing black shorts, black shoes and a light coloured hat, while the victim was wearing a light coloured long sleeved jumper, light coloured pants, and light coloured shoes, with her hair tied up in a bun or ponytail.

He said police are particularly interested in speaking to the drivers of multiple vehicles that drove past on Bagot Street and South Terrace at the time of the alleged assault.

Police are asking anyone with information to call them on 131 444 (quote reference NTP2500036419), or make an anonymous reports to Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or through the Crime Stoppers website.

If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline 131 114. In an emergency dial 000.