Katherine Investigation Unit detectives arrested a 25-year-old man yesterday in relation to an alleged attempted murder.

Between 2 and 3 pm in the afternoon, it is alleged the man had an argument with his de facto girlfriend at their residence.

It is alleged that the male was leaving the residence to live elsewhere and packed a bag before returning to the door of the residence to throw a jerry can of petrol over the 23-year-old woman. The offender then used a lighter in an attempt to ignite the female, but she fled from the scene to a friend's residence.

The fire, which caused damage to the front door and porch, was extinguished prior to the arrival of emergency services and the man had left the residence.

The man later handed himself into police and has been charged with attempted murder and remanded in custody to appear in the Katherine Court today.

Media contact:
Sally Carrington
8922 3185