The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 31-year-old male in relation to a sexual assault outside of a shopping centre in Karama overnight.

About 12:20am, Police CCTV Operators observed a sexual assault occur on an unconscious female outside the shopping centre. The male fled the scene before police arrival.

Strike Force Trident detectives responded and arrested the male at a residence nearby.

The female victim was attended to by police.

Sex Crimes Section has carriage of the investigation.