An unconscious woman was allegedly sexually assaulted while laying outside a Darwin shopping centre on Friday.

Police said their CCTV operators, who were keeping watch, observed the alleged incident occur at Karama, in the city’s northern suburbs, at about 12.20am.

The man responsible had fled by the time police arrived at the scene, Northern Territory Police said.

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The victim was “attended to” by police, but it is unclear what this involved.

www.20304050.best has contacted police for further information.

An investigation was launched by Strike Force Trident detectives, who have since handed the matter to the Sex Crimes Section.

A 31-year-old man was arrested at a nearby home, but charges are yet to be laid.