Queensland police are seeking a member of the public who may have assisted a woman after a serious assault-related incident in South Townsville on May 23. The 72-year-old woman suffered serious but non-life-threatening head injuries and was taken to Townsville University Hospital.

Police were called to Palmer Street at about 11:18 p.m. following reports of a disturbance. Officers arrested a 51-year-old Wulguru man, who has since been charged with affray in a public place while adversely affected by an intoxicating substance, possession of a knife in a public place and two counts of obstructing police.

The man is expected to appear in Townsville Magistrates Court on June 12. Detectives from the Townsville Criminal Investigation Branch are continuing their inquiries and have asked the potential witness to contact Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Queensland anonymously on 1800 333 000, quoting reference QP2600987594.