Police have charged a juvenile male after a woman was allegedly subjected to a horrific ordeal inside shopping centre public toilets in Broome.

Police said a 23-year-old woman from Derby entered the female toilets in the Paspaley Mall in Chinatown last Friday shortly before 11am.

A youth then allegedly scaled a wall and climbed inside the cubicle, where he sexually assaulted the woman.

Broome Police have charged a 17-year-old with indecent assault, deprivation of liberty and burglary.

The woman was passing through Broome, while on her way to Perth. Detective Sergeant Tony Wilson from Broome Police said she was extremely shaken by what happened.

“These sorts of incidents are isolated, however, people should always remain vigilant,” he said.

It was uncertain whether the offender had followed her or had been waiting until she entered the toilets.

Officers from forensics, wearing white gloves and police overalls, were at the scene shortly after the incident.