NT Police have condemned unrest in one of the Northern Territory's largest Indigenous communities.

At the weekend, police alleged "violent and dangerous behaviour" from a large crowd in Wadeye, about 230 kilometres south-west of Darwin, which targeted officers and motor vehicles with "rocks, metal objects and an arrow".

Police said they encountered a large group of men — many of whom were "observed moving through surrounding bushland in an apparent attempt to conceal their approach" — armed with various weapons at about 5.30 pm on Sunday.

"Police repeatedly attempted to disperse the group, warning that force may be used if they continued to advance. Those directions were ignored," a statement read.

"The group continued to move towards police while armed and throwing projectiles, requiring police to deploy tactical options to disperse the crowd and prevent them from advancing further towards residential properties."

NT Police said one person allegedly fired an arrow from a compound bow at officers, striking a police vehicle.

Several police vehicles were damaged, but no injuries were reported.

Additional police remain in Wadeye conducting high-visibility patrols as investigations continue.

Superintendent Virginia Read condemned the "appalling display of violence" and said police would continue working with community leaders and residents to restore calm while those responsible were identified and held accountable.

"There is absolutely no justification for this behaviour. Our officers are in Wadeye to protect the community and prevent further violence, and they should not be subjected to deliberate and potentially deadly attacks while carrying out that duty," she said.

"The fact that people continued to advance on police despite repeated directions to disperse demonstrates an alarming disregard for the safety of police, residents and the wider community.

"An arrow, rock or piece of metal directed at another person or a moving vehicle has the potential to cause catastrophic injury or death. Those choosing to participate in this violence need to understand the seriousness of their actions."