After the incident, police said the 33-year-old man was suspected of entering a private residence in the Bendigo suburb of Epsom about 10.15pm earlier this month, while a woman and child were at home.

It is believed the man disturbed the woman as she slept in her bed and sexually assaulted her. He allegedly jumped the fence and escaped along a nearby train line, Detective Sergeant Rod Neylan said.

Authorities released CCTV footage of the man loitering in the area, and called on members of the public who knew him to turn him in. Police would not say whether this led to the suspect's eventual arrest.

The Harcourt man was taken into custody Monday morning and charged with aggravated burglary, attempted rape, assault with intent to sexually assault and sexual assault.

He is due to face Bendigo Magistrates Court on Tuesday.