NT Police are asking for the public’s help to identify a man who allegedly sexually assaulted a woman in the early hours of Tuesday morning in Alice Springs.

The woman was reportedly walking through the Todd River near Heavitree Gap between 1am and 2am on Tuesday morning when she was approached by the man who allegedly physically and sexually assaulted her, NT Police said.

“The offender is described as an adult Indigenous male,” police media manager Rob Cross said in a statement.

“The incident was reported to police.”

It is unclear when it was reported or why the police media unit did not seek the public’s assistance earlier in the week, before publicly acknowledging the incident late Friday afternoon.

Police are calling for any witnesses who may have seen the incident or have information to come forward.

“Anyone who may have been witnessed the incident or who has relevant information is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference number 10147819,” Mr Cross said.