Two men aged 37 and 42 are in Police custody following a serious assault in Palmerston overnight.

Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Board of the Serious Crime Squad said the incident occurred at around 11:20 pm on Temple Terrace.

“It will be alleged that a 37-year-old man was assaulted near the intersection of Maluka Street,” Detective Senior Sergeant Board said.

“A patrolling security guard attended the location and allegedly witnessed a man strike the victim to the face with a broken bottle.

“The security guard wrestled the 37-year-old alleged offender to the ground and held him until Police arrived a short time later.”

Police and St John Ambulance members attended and the victim was conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital where he remains in a critical but stable condition.

A 54-year-old male also received facial injuries during the altercation and was taken to hospital as a precaution.

Both alleged offenders are expected to be charged later this afternoon with unlawfully cause serious harm and recklessly endanger life.