A man and woman were attacked on Monday night on Smith Street with both suffering significant injuries requiring hospitalisation after a man in a red shirt reportedly assaulted the pair with an “edged weapon”, NT Police said.

It was reported the man suffered a deep cut on his arm to the bone and the woman received head injuries.

Police said the incident occurred around 10:45pm. Although originally reported that the alleged attacker was not known to the pair, police said on Tuesday afternoon that they believe he was known to them.

The alleged assailant had fled the scene by the time police arrived and the man and woman were taken to Royal Darwin Hospital for treatment.

Police did not provide a motive for the alleged attack.

Police are still searching for the suspect who they say is of “Aboriginal appearance, aged in his 20s, wearing a red shirt and dark shorts”.

“Investigators from the Northern Domestic Violence Unit are investigating and urge anyone with information about this incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference NTP2400012875,” the police statement said.