A man has been killed after being hit by two cars in Palmerston on Friday night, with the first driver not stopping, and the second allegedly testing positive for drugs, NT Police said.

Detective Senior Sergeant Brendan Lindner said in a statement that shortly after 11pm Friday, a male pedestrian whose age was not given, was hit by a vehicle travelling outbound on the Stuart Hwy, between Temple Terrace and Lambrick Drive.

He said the 22-year-old male driver did not stop, and when the pedestrian returned to the road, he was killed when hit by a second vehicle.

The second driver, an 18-year-old man, stopped, and Snr Sgt Lindner said he returned a positive roadside test for an unspecified drug.

The first driver contacted police soon after and tested negative for alcohol. and police are waiting for results of blood toxicology reports for drugs.

Snr Sgt Lindner said the dead man had not been identified, but Major Crash Unit detectives were investigating, and both vehicles had been seized for forensic analysis.

“Reports were received from motorists prior to the crash concerned about the pedestrian. Police attended and patrolled the area but were unable to locate him. The pedestrian is an adult male and described as being of Aboriginal appearance and wearing dark-coloured clothing.”

Police are looking for witnesses to call them on 131 444 or to report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.