UPDATED: A 60-year-old woman is in hospital in a critical condition and may have both arms amputated after a vicious dog attack in Palmerston early Sunday morning, St John Ambulance has said.

Paramedics received a report of the attack just before 2am on Sunday morning in the suburb of Moulden.

St John Ambulance spokesman Craig Garraway said when paramedics arrived, they found bystanders had worked to control the woman’s bleeding, but it was possible she could lose both arms as a result of the attack.

“The reports we had were that she had been mauled by a dog and the reports we had were quite horrific,” Mr Garraway told ABC Radio.

“We had reports of both arms (could need to be) amputated from that episode.”

NT Police issued a statement about the incident on Monday afternoon which did not provide any further information about how the woman came into contact with the dog but stated that charges have not been laid.

“An aggressive dog was secured inside the property and surrendered by its owner to Council rangers who attended shortly after,” said Commander Sachin Sharma in a statement.

“Rangers also seized a second dog on the property that also showed signs of aggression.”

The woman remains in Royal Darwin Hospital.

Cmdr Sharma said all dog owners need to ensure their dogs are properly trained and restrained.

“This is a terrible incident and a woman has suffered life-altering injuries,” he said.

“At this stage we have not charged anybody, but we implore all dog owners to make sure their animals are properly trained, controlled and restrained.”

Editor’s note: This story was updated to include police comments, including the correct age of the victim.