NT Police are asking residents of Gray to check their yards for a bloody hammer that a 42-year-old man allegedly used to bash his female partner in the head with last night.

Police said they received reports that the man had assaulted the woman, in her 30s, with a hammer at a residence in Gray around 7:20pm.

The woman was taken to Royal Darwin Hospital with serious head injuries after police arrived and a crime scene was established. A search was then carried out to locate the man.

Police said they located the 42-year-old “a short time later”, who was arrested with charges expected to be laid today.

“Detectives believe the man discarded the weapon at an unknown location in Gray,” police media director Mark Wilton said in a statement.

“Northern Territory Police are calling on members of the public who live in the area to conduct checks of their property and if they locate the weapon to immediately contact police on 131 444, and quote reference 2400045849.

“If you have witnessed or experienced domestic or family violence, call the police on 131 444 or 000 in an emergency. If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties as a result of domestic violence, support services are available including, but not limited to 1800RESPECT (1800737732) or Lifeline 131 114.”