Detectives from the Major Crime Squad are investigating the death of a 60-year-old man in Coolalinga last night.

Police, Fire and Rescue and St John Ambulance were called to a house on Wells Creek Road just before 8:30 pm after receiving a report that a man had been set on fire.

Detective Senior Sergeant Graeme Wheeler from the Major Crime Squad said initial investigations suggest that the 60-year-old man and a 37-year-old man were involved in a dispute before the assault occurred.

“It is alleged the 37-year-old man doused the deceased with fuel and then set him alight. The two men were known to each other.

“The 60-year-old man was taken to the Royal Darwin Hospital in a critical condition last night but has since passed away this morning.

"A crime scene has been established and a homicide investigation is underway.

“The 37-year-old man was arrested last night at the scene and is currently in Police custody,” said Detective Senior Sergeant Wheeler.

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