The Northern Territory Police Force (NTPF) has responded to an incident that occurred in Alice Springs CBD this afternoon.

Around 1:10pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a male had been involved in an altercation with a security guard at the Coles supermarket in Alice Springs.

Two police officers were in the store at the time of the incident and restrained the adult male.

A short time later, the man stopped breathing and CPR was commenced.

St John Ambulance attended the scene, and the man was conveyed to Alice Springs Hospital where he was pronounced deceased shortly after 2:20pm.

A crime scene was established, and the shopping centre is expected to remain closed. The incident is being investigated as a death in custody.

The NTPF Major Crime Section Detectives are travelling to Alice Springs and investigations are ongoing. Police will now investigate this matter on behalf of the coroner.

Police urge anyone who witnessed the incident to make contact 131 444. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.