A 18-year-old man was taken to hospital after being assaulted by a group of men after he allegedly attempted to sexually assault a female teenager, NT Police said.

Police director of communications Mark Wilton said in a statement that about 12:30am Wednesday, police CCTV operators detected a female, aged between 16 and 18-years-old, being sexually assaulted by an 18-year-old man in Karama.

“Another man intervenes and confronts the offender with an edged weapon before chasing him from the scene,” Mr Wilton said.

“He was then joined by several other men who allegedly assault the offender.”

Mr Wilton said the 18-year-old man had cuts and bruises and was taken to Royal Darwin Hospital and remains in police custody.

His alleged victim was also taken to Royal Darwin Hospital for assessment.

Sex Crimes Division detectives are asking anyone with information, or dash-cam footage, to call police on 131 444 (quote reference P24131578), or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.