Detective Sergeant Mark James, of the Hamilton police crime investigation unit, said the saleswoman was going door-to-door canvassing for business in the Shilcock Street and Duke Avenue area of Hamilton at 4.45pm on Tuesday.

"She was lured to a vacant house by a 20-year-old Hamilton man," he said.

"He grabbed her and then attempts to drag her into a backyard. The victim managed to get away and raised the alarm.

"She was with police when she identified the offender walking down the street."

The man appeared in Warrnambool Magistrates Court on Wednesday and was remanded in custody until early April.

Detective Sergeant James said the incident happened in broad daylight when there were lots of people around.

"The man was wearing a fluro orange work shirt, but he had been home and changed. He was arrested and has been charged with assault-related offending," he said.

"The circumstances surrounding the incident are very concerning. It's opportunistic - quite terrifying.

"This is a saleswoman of slight build. She's working by herself. She vulnerable. It's a worst-case scenario for someone in that situation."

The detective said police were grateful the woman was able to escape.

"She's shaken up and suffered minor injuries," he said.

"It's very brazen offending. The offender did not deny contact but he has a different version of events."

"It's extremely worrying.

"We are appealing for witnesses, anyone who saw a young woman of Asian appearance and a man wearing a fluro orange work shirt between 4.40pm and 5pm in the Shilcock Street and Duke Avenue area.

"We are also trying to locate anyone with CCTV footage in that area."

Anyone with information is requested to contact the Hamilton police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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