Northern Territory Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 46-year-old man in Katherine overnight.

Major Crime Squad Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Matt Allen said police were called to a residence in Hudspeth Place about 10.20pm.

Police and St John crews attended the scene a short time later and the man was pronounced dead.

Acting Senior Sergeant Allen said a 17-year-old male youth has since been arrested.

Major Crime detectives are on the scene and investigations are continuing.