UPDATED: The death of a woman who reportedly stopped breathing after the vehicle she was in “allegedly” struck a kangaroo near the Barkly Homestead Sunday morning is being treated as suspicious, NT Police said, with more information provided on Wednesday as police continue to call for the public’s help.

A 33-year-old man was arrested and taken to Tennant Creek to “assist” police with their investigation into the suspicious death in the Avon Downs area that was reported around 5:50am Sunday morning near Barkly Homestead along the Barkly Highway.

On Wednesday, police disclosed the woman was 27 years old and was found deceased at the scene. The 33-year-old male, who remains in custody, is believed to be her partner.

“It is alleged that between the hours of 1:30am and 5:30am on Sunday, a male and a female were in a dark-coloured Jeep Cherokee parked on the side of the road by the intersection of the Barkly and Tablelands Highways,” police media director Mark Wilton said Wednesday.

“Police are seeking any information or dashcam footage from motorists who were in the area at that time.”

Police said they believe the couple used the vehicle to drive from Gympie through to the Barkly Homestead between April 1 and April 5, passing through Ban Ban Springs, Emerald, Winton, Cloncurry, Ms Isa and Camooweal.

Police initially stated the woman’s death occurred after the vehicle she was in reportedly struck a kangaroo, with police looking into the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death at the scene.

Police said in the statement that the vehicle the woman was in “allegedly hit a kangaroo”.

They did not provide any further details about why they were sceptical of the kangaroo strike.

Police released a photo of the vehicle in hopes someone saw it at any of the places it drove through.

“Anyone who has seen this vehicle and its occupants and has any information pertaining to them is encouraged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference number P26099556,” Mr Wilton said.

“Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au.”