A man who was charged with trying to break into a bottle shop allegedly ran at police officers with a large pair of secateurs, NT Police said.

Police media manager Margaret McKeown said in a statement police charged a 28-year-old man after an attempted break-in at a Pinelands bottle shop on Sunday.

“Members patrolling the area came across the group on the Stuart Hwy just after 9pm, allegedly attempting to gain access through the staff entrance door,” she said.

“Police approached in their vehicle and identified themselves to the group, when the [alleged] offender ran towards them with a large pair of secateurs, causing the members to take evasive action and position the vehicle behind a large metal sign.

“The man [allegedly] threw the secateurs, piercing the metal sign, before fleeing across the highway.”

Ms McKeown said he was later charged with attempted unlawful entry into a building, damage to property, two counts of assaulting a member of the police force, endangering occupants of a vehicle, and carrying ammunition without a permit

She said he was remanded to appear before Darwin Local Court Tuesday.

There was no nformation given about the size of the group, and if other charges are expected to be laid.