A man allegedly broke into a home and attempted to sexually assault a female on the far north coast today.
Police allege around 4.30am, the man broke into a home on Blackwood Crescent at Bangalow, west of Byron Bay.
Once inside, the man entered the bedroom of a 57-year-old woman. He woke her and demanded property, before allegedly attempting to sexually assault her.
The woman was able to escape into another room and lock the door, before calling out for assistance.
The man fled before police arrived.
During a patrol, officers sighted the man and arrested him in Deacon Street just before 6:30am, following a short pursuit on foot.
The 39-year-old man was charged with aggravated break, enter and steal, and attempting sexual intercourse without consent.
He will appear in court tomorrow.
