The police have arrested a 16-year-old for allegedly assaulting and robbing a female victim in the vicinity of Hougang Avenue 1.

About two weeks ago, the 39-year old victim was returning home from work past midnight. At the void deck of her flat, an unknown person came from behind and started assaulting her. The male assailant then grabbed her handbag, which contained cash, valuables and a handphone, and fled the scene. Shocked by the encounter, the woman could not provide a detailed description of the suspect.

Officers from Ang Mo Kio Police Division conducted extensive inquiries, and with the help of CCTV footages in the surrounding area where the incident had taken place, managed to establish the suspect's identity.

On Tuesday morning, the suspect was arrested in the vicinity of Owen Road, around Farrer Park.

The acting Commander of Ang Mo Kio Police Division HQ, Superintendent of Police Leon Chan advised residents returning home late at night to be cautious of suspicious persons or to inform their family members to accompany them back home.

If convicted of Robbery with Hurt under Section 394 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224, the teenager could face a jail term of up to 20 years and will receive a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane.