NT police investigate after man allegedly stabbed hair salon customer and injured three others

A Darwin hairdresser has described the “shocking” moment a man stormed into his barber shop, turned around and allegedly stabbed a regular customer who came into the shop to get a haircut.

Tony Mirco said he was cutting a young customer's bangs around 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday when a man came running into his Nightcliff barber shop “panting and huffing.”

He said the man tried to take the young customer's hat and backpack before “pulling out a knife about 30 centimeters long” and leaving the hair salon.

“One of my other regular customers, a Greek man – he is a painter – got out of his car to go to the barber and get his hair cut,” said Mr Mirco.

“As he approached us, [the shop]this guy just punches him, hits him in the ribs and he falls to the ground.”

Mr Mirco said he took the injured customer to his hair salon and tried to stop the bleeding with tissues and paper towels before the ambulance arrived.

“He was sweating and turned white with shock,” he said.

An NT Police spokesman said in a statement that a 24-year-old man was in custody and was expected to be charged later on Thursday.

The spokesman said the same perpetrator allegedly attacked two other men and a woman in the area.

Northern Territory police said the man, who was allegedly stabbed in the abdomen, was taken to Royal Darwin Hospital for treatment.

“The remaining three victims suffered minor injuries,” the spokesman said.

The NT Police Serious Crime Unit is investigating the incident.