Police probe child assault at Aussie Open

Investigations are underway into an indecent assault of a 10-year-old girl who was attacked while she watched two players warm up at the Australian Open, police said on Sunday.

The girl was standing near a court exit Saturday when she was approached from behind by a middle-aged man who indecently assaulted her then ran off.

Police said they were viewing security footage in the hope of identifying the culprit.

"She was at the tennis with her family and was separated briefly when the incident took place," Detective Acting Inspector Mark Zervaas told reporters.

"It's a disgusting act and the girl and her family are being counselled."

The opening Grand Slam of the year has previously had isolated offences in the grounds of Melbourne Park.

Security was tightened last year after men used covert cameras to film up women's skirts, and in 2007 a boy was dragged into a toilet and sexually assaulted.