A 17-year-old male has been charged over the alleged hit-and-run death of a 39-year-old woman in Girraween early Sunday morning, with police alleging he had consumed alcohol and possibly “illicit drugs” before the crash.

Police allege the teen, who did not have his full licence, struck the pedestrian on Power Road around 2:30am and drove away from the area without stopping to help the injured woman.

Emergency services personnel attended to the incident and an investigation was launched, NT Police said, ultimately resulting in information from the public reportedly leading police to a Girraween residence where a vehicle was seized.

“Police later attended an address in Humpty Doo where a 17-year-old male was arrested. He tested positive for alcohol,” a statement said.

Police released a later statement Sunday evening saying that Major Crash detectives had “collected evidence from two crime scenes and interviewed a number of passengers who were travelling int he vehicle at the time” and had charged the 17-year-old with hit and run causing death and provisional driver with alcohol in blood.

He was bailed to appear in court on October 10.

Police continue to suspect however, that he had consumed “illicit drugs” before the crash.

“A forensic toxicological analysis will be undertaken to determine the presence of illicit drugs,” said Detective Senior Sergeant Brendan Lindner.

“This was another tragic loss of life on NT roads involving alcohol. It continues a pattern of motorists involved in pedestrian collisions choosing to continue driving rather than stopping to help as lawfully required.

Police are appealing to the public for more information and for any eyewitnesses to come forward while the investigation is ongoing.

A recent report shows the Territory continues to lead the country with road deaths per capita. So far this year, 41 road deaths have been reported in the Territory, which is 15 deaths higher than the same period last year.