KEY POINTS:
A 12-year-old boy has been charged with sexually assaulting a 23-year-old woman in a car park in north Queensland.
Police said the woman had parked her car in a multi-level car park in Townsville yesterday about 10.30am (AEST) and was walking to the lift when she was approached by the boy.
The boy allegedly grabbed her around the throat and dragged her towards the stairwell, where he sexually assaulted her.
He also allegedly stole money from the woman's handbag.
Police said the woman dialled triple 0 and the boy walked off.
He was later arrested and charged with sexual assault, assault with intent to commit rape, deprivation of liberty and robbery with violence.
He will appear in the Townsville Children's Court later today.
Police investigations are continuing and detectives are hoping to speak with anyone who saw the boy between 9am and 11am in the vicinity of the Ogden Street car park.
At the time of the alleged incident the boy was wearing a white baggy T-shirt with a black and red motif on the front, black baggy shorts and white sneakers and socks.
Anyone who has information on this incident should contact detectives at Townsville CIB.
- AAP
