SA Police is calling for information from the public after a woman was awoken by a man sexually assaulting her in her home in the early hours on Saturday.

Key points: Police say the assault ended when the woman woke up and she chased the suspect away

Police say the assault ended when the woman woke up and she chased the suspect away He also stole her purse, mobile phone and some other personal items

He also stole her purse, mobile phone and some other personal items Police are calling for any information that might help find the suspect

Police said the woman — who lives in Seaford Meadows — was asleep in her home about 1:30am, in the vicinity of Grand Boulevard, when she was awoken to an unknown male sexually assaulting her.

They said the woman then chased the male suspect from her house before alerting police.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Humby on Saturday said police understood the suspect had entered the house through a door left unlocked to allow a pet inside.

"We treat this type of incident very, very seriously … this woman was in her house and she was asleep and her house was broken into," he said.

"Once she woke up the assault ended and she chased him outside the house.

"It's very disturbing … what makes it worse is the time of night and that's why we're seeking the assistance from the public."

'Long-lasting effects psychologically'

He said the woman had been offered support following the incident but was understandably struggling with what had happened to her.

"She's very traumatised but she's been offered lots of support both by her family, friends and of course South Australian police," he said.

"The trauma that is associated with this type of offending has often long-lasting effects psychologically, sometimes emotionally and physically as well."

Once the suspect had left, the woman noticed her purse, mobile phone and some personal items had also been stolen from the home.

Police said a search of the area was conducted using a police dog patrol, however, it did not locate the suspect.

The suspect has been described as being about 170cm tall with a muscular build and short thick hair, and he was wearing a dark-blue or black T-shirt.

A doorknock was conducted in the area on Saturday morning and police said investigations were continuing.

Police have asked anyone who may have information, including persons or vehicles seen in the Seaford Meadows area at the time of the offending, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.