NT Police have confirmed that a woman was allegedly indecently assaulted in a Hartley Street women’s clothing store in Alice Springs on Monday afternoon by two teens who they are now seeking the public’s help to locate.

NT Police Assistant Commissioner Martin Dole was forced to publicly release the information on Wednesday, two days after the alleged incident, after news of the sexual assault was reported on social media in Alice Springs.

The NT Police executive have a reputation for not alerting the public to sexual assaults in a timely manner.

Police said in a statement that the woman was approached by two male youths and at the shop and “indecently assaulted before the pair fled the scene”.

“The two male youths are described as being of Aboriginal appearance, approximately in their early teens and around 155cms tall,” the police statement said.

“One youth was wearing a grey hoodie with cannabis leaf logo on the front, black shorts and black Nike shoes with white edging. The second youth was wearing a white jersey with orange sides.

“Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference number 10235216.”

In March 2021, after facing intense media pressure for not publicly reporting serious sexual assaults, Asst Commissioner Dole told a local radio station police do not put information out “instantly” because people only read reports of sexual assaults for their own “gratification”.

The statement about the most recent attack at the Alice Springs clothing store said the incident was only reported to police at non-specified time on Tuesday and that “police would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the alleged assault”.